balance 1 of 2

Definition of balancenext
1
2
3
as in scale
a device for measuring weight use a balance to make sure you get the amounts precisely correct

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
as in offset
a force or influence that makes an opposing force ineffective or less effective the balance to the mountain of complaints are the many letters of praise that we also receive

Synonyms & Similar Words

5

balance

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to equate
to make equal in amount, degree, or status tried to balance the total amount of money spent on gifts for each child

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
as in to pay
to give what is owed for she had to balance her account with the hotel before checking out of her room

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of balance
Noun
Others say that a balance can be struck and that, in moderation, such rituals are part of the month’s festive spirit. Mariam Fam, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2026 That is always a balance the Federal Reserve tries to strike. Dana Taylor, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026
Verb
This is light for a meal, so balance it out with a small side of red beans and rice to feel full and satisfied. Sarah Anzlovar, Verywell Health, 23 Feb. 2026 The challenge is balancing decisiveness with collaboration, and speed with thoughtful input. Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 23 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for balance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for balance
Noun
  • The work of Ayurveda, then, is to restore equilibrium.
    Annie Daly, Vogue, 19 Feb. 2026
  • Then, with fewer and smaller oxygen-consuming animals and more plants gobbling up carbon dioxide and producing oxygen, the balance will change, eventually reaching equilibrium.
    Big Think, Big Think, 17 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • This measures body fat, muscle volume and symmetry.
    David Oliver, USA Today, 23 Feb. 2026
  • On the medical side, Bommarito tracks everything from nutrition to sleep and how his athletes can develop bodily symmetry between left and right.
    David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 21 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • This immense scale requires trillions of dollars of investment that will ripple through physical markets, directly impacting real estate, construction, power and electricity generation, and industrial metals.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 23 Feb. 2026
  • If that all sounds a bit out there, consider the planetary scale of Refik Anadol's work.
    Sharyn Alfonsi, CBS News, 23 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Under the Daylight Act, the time zone UTC offsets would be changed to half-hour increments rather than hours.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 19 Feb. 2026
  • Critics have long warned that weak oversight, inflated claims and poor benefit-sharing have eroded trust in offset programs.
    ABC News, ABC News, 17 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Once the last flower drops off, the plant needs rest to recover its strength, and during that time, the leaf segments may look thin, dull, and saggy.
    Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Feb. 2026
  • But keep in mind the team will likely search for ways to build in extra rest for their five starters.
    Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • And aside from the usual suspects competing for trophies at the top of the table, there is not much out there for a coach who is unabashed in equating achievement and success with trophies.
    Elias Burke, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2026
  • In the prosecution’s closing argument, Assistant District Attorney Alfred Peterson said there was no dispute as to whether Santos was mentally ill, but argued his symptoms of schizophrenia were not severe enough to equate with insanity.
    Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 19 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Dodgers manager Dave Roberts did not hesitate when asked about his expectations for Mookie Betts.
    Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026
  • Many users hesitate to upload ID scans or biometric selfies to access gaming servers or community groups.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 20 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The reality, however, will likely prove more complicated as the administration weighs its next moves and how — or whether — to issue refunds for tariffs already paid.
    semafor.com, semafor.com, 23 Feb. 2026
  • French President Emmanuel Macron called for calm on Saturday as some 3,000 people joined a march in Lyon organized by far-right groups to pay tribute to Deranque.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Balance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/balance. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on balance

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster