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

Mediterranean Revival estates, midcentury modern homes, and Spanish-style bungalows still define neighborhoods such as Northwood and Southland Park, providing a counterweight to the glass towers rising downtown and along the water. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 29 Jan. 2026

Next week’s inaugural critical minerals summit in Washington marks the White House’s latest attempt to build a counterweight to China’s dominance of African mineral supply chains. —Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 28 Jan. 2026

The rear cabin acts as a mobile counterweight and traction reserve. —Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 26 Jan. 2026

The incident comes as Newsom, who is weighing a 2028 presidential run, has increasingly positioned California as a counterweight to Washington. —Melody Gutierrez, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1693, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for counterweight

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

Kids Definition

counterweight

noun

coun·​ter·​weight ˈkau̇nt-ər-ˌwāt 

: counterbalance entry 1 sense 1