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.
While some concrete gains were made by the movement, the cultural backlash that has followed feels almost like a counterweight at times. Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 19 Feb. 2026 As a historical counterweight, consider Jonas Salk, the inventor of the polio vaccine, who refused to patent it. Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026 Currently, there's no democratic counterweight. Dana Taylor, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026 Italy offers a pragmatic counterweight for Merz, focused on competitiveness, migration control and industrial policy rather than a grand European redesign. Julia Khrebtan-Hörhager, The Conversation, 11 Feb. 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 22 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

counterweight

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

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