equilibrium
noun
ˌe- \
ˌe-
\
Definition of equilibrium
1a : a state of intellectual or emotional balance : poise trying to recover his equilibrium
b : a state of adjustment between opposing or divergent influences or elements
2 : a state of balance between opposing forces or actions that is either static (as in a body acted on by forces whose resultant is zero) or dynamic (as in a reversible chemical reaction when the rates of reaction in both directions are equal)
3 : balance sense 3a
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Synonyms & Antonyms for equilibrium
Synonyms
aplomb, calmness, collectedness, composedness, composure, cool, coolness, countenance, equanimity, imperturbability, placidity, repose, sangfroid, self-possession, serenity, tranquillity (or tranquility), tranquilness
Antonyms
agitation, discomposure, perturbation
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Examples of equilibrium in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The spoon shook, tipping toward the handle end, and Morris Melnik quickly poured a little salt into the bowl of the spoon to give it equilibrium. — Ben Taub, The New Yorker, "The Boarder," 30 Apr. 2018 On a recent four-game winning streak, the Dodgers (8-9) regained some equilibrium. — Andy Mccullough, latimes.com, "After another blown save, Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen still searching for answers," 19 Apr. 2018 The baleful equilibrium is punctuated, when control of the various branches aligns, by spurts of partisan lawmaking. — The Economist, "America’s electoral system gives the Republicans advantages over Democrats," 12 July 2018 Some changes happen within years, while others take generations to reach a new equilibrium. — Howard Lee, Ars Technica, "What happened last time it was as warm as it’s going to get later this century?," 18 June 2018 Its most sophisticated practitioners find the equilibrium between perfectionism and flexibility, but expediency is the enemy. — Justin Davidson, The Cut, "What Would a World Designed by Women Look Like?," 20 Mar. 2018 Products that return disastrous results, as the current crop of cybersecurity solutions do, usually don’t survive the ruthless equilibrium of the marketplace. — Robert Hackett, Fortune, "Cyber Saturday—Would You Buy Cybersecurity From a Witch Doctor?," 19 May 2018 Others will rotate into a vertical position before finding equilibrium. — Malia Wollan, New York Times, "How to Float," 16 May 2018 The apparent solidity of physical objects, like the apparent equilibrium of our lives, conceals a state of perpetual turmoil and uncertainty. — Lawrence Toppman, charlotteobserver, "REVIEW: Tony-winning ‘Humans’ at Blumenthal are always in motion | Charlotte Observer," 2 May 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'equilibrium.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for equilibrium
equilibrium
noun
English Language Learners Definition of equilibrium
: a state in which opposing forces or actions are balanced so that one is not stronger or greater than the other
: a state of emotional balance or calmness
See the full definition for equilibrium in the English Language Learners Dictionary
equilibrium
noun
ˌe-kwə- \
Kids Definition of equilibrium
1 : a state of balance between opposing forces or actions
2 : the normal balanced state of the body that is maintained by the inner ear and that keeps a person or animal from falling
equilibrium
noun
ˌek-wə-
\
\
Medical Definition of equilibrium
1 : a state of balance between opposing forces or actions that is either static (as in a body acted on by forces whose resultant is zero) or dynamic (as in a reversible chemical reaction when the velocities in both directions are equal)
2 : a state of intellectual or emotional balance
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