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

Just next door to Venezuela lies Guyana, where Forbes Burnham rose to power during the Cold War with external backing that viewed him as a strategic counterweight rather than a democratic choice. —Rick Singh, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2026

It is also known for walking on its back legs, using its tail as a counterweight. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 7 Jan. 2026

Designed with a sleek counterweight system, Artemide’s Tizio Micro task lamp is an industrial desk lamp that’s a subtle status symbol for fans of 1970s Italian design. —Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 6 Jan. 2026

The democratic, oil-rich country became a counterweight to Communist Cuba. —David Goldman, CNN Money, 5 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