counterweight

noun

coun·​ter·​weight ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌwāt How to pronounce counterweight (audio)
Synonyms of counterweightnext
: an equivalent weight or force : counterbalance
counterweight transitive verb

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Other items from the ship, including the ballasts that served as counterweights for the human cargo, are remaining on display and will be returned to South Africa in two years. Arkansas Online, 13 Mar. 2026 Other items from the ship, including the ballasts that served as counterweights for the human cargo, are remaining on display and will be returned to South Africa in two years. ABC News, 12 Mar. 2026 In literary translation, the term compensation refers to a moment where something lost in one part of the text is recouped elsewhere — not through direct replacement, but through a kind of interpretive counterweight. Jan Steyn, The Dial, 10 Mar. 2026 In fact, some Republicans who criticized Noem advised Democrats to see Mullin as more of an ally — and even a counterweight to Miller’s influence on the White House. Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 10 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for counterweight

Word History

First Known Use

1693, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of counterweight was in 1693

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Cite this Entry

“Counterweight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterweight. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

counterweight

noun
coun·​ter·​weight ˈkau̇nt-ər-ˌwāt How to pronounce counterweight (audio)

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