counterweight

noun

coun·​ter·​weight ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌwāt 

: an equivalent weight or force : counterbalance

counterweight transitive verb

Synonyms of counterweight

• offset
• counter
• balance
• counterbalance
• corrective

Examples of counterweight in a Sentence

The crane has a heavy counterweight on the back.

hard work can often be a counterweight to modest intelligence

Recent Examples on the Web

The trouble starts when ambition operates without a counterweight. — Parul Somani, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

The new cohort of LatAm petrostates is emerging as an OPEC counterweight the US can’t afford to neglect, especially since its barrels don’t have to move through any dangerous straits. — Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 11 Aug. 2026

With the 22 pound (10 kg) counterweight, Stanton could hit the 394 miles per hour (mph) with his projectile. — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 10 Aug. 2026

Kurkdjian conceived it as a counterweight to the very sweet and spicy Elixir, and as another option for the wearer who wants Sauvage’s full rousing potential, but with executive muscle. — Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 1 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1693, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for counterweight

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate
• angulate

Kids Definition

counterweight

noun

coun·​ter·​weight ˈkau̇nt-ər-ˌwāt 

: counterbalance entry 1 sense 1