counterweight

noun

coun·​ter·​weight ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌwāt How to pronounce counterweight (audio)
: 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.
America cultivated India both as a counterweight to China and in recognition of the country’s growing economic heft. Vaibhav Vats, The Atlantic, 10 Sep. 2025 DeSantis has long styled the Sunshine State as a counterweight to federal public health directives. Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Sep. 2025 The counterweight to the labor market’s apparent downward trajectory is the fact that unemployment hasn’t spiked—despite the weak payroll and openings data. Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2025 The statement served as a counterweight to the glam and high art focus. John Hopewell, Variety, 5 Sep. 2025 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 11 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

counterweight

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

More from Merriam-Webster on counterweight

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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