as in offset
a force or influence that makes an opposing force ineffective or less effective
charitable giving is usually a good counterbalance to the self-indulgent commercialism of the Christmas season
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
as in to offset
to balance with an equal force so as to make ineffective
a hearty dinner might counterbalance missing lunch
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of counterbalance
New Atlas,
24 Apr. 2026
And Cello Pete, who has collaborated with Hersh for years, added much to the proceedings, with his lush string work providing an important counterbalance to Hersh’s jagged guitar lines.
—
Jim Harrington,
Mercury News,
18 Apr. 2026
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
25 Apr. 2026
Adelphi offers policy proposals across the IP spectrum that are meant to counterbalance the international strengthening of IP laws, regulations, and enforcement.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for counterbalance
Noun
This configuration purportedly allows the outer MLE to act as a counterbalance, helping prevent excessive tilt, while the inner MLE avoids contact with the road.
—
New Atlas,
24 Apr. 2026
And Cello Pete, who has collaborated with Hersh for years, added much to the proceedings, with his lush string work providing an important counterbalance to Hersh’s jagged guitar lines.
—
Jim Harrington,
Mercury News,
18 Apr. 2026
Verb
Armenia has enjoyed warm relations with Iran in recent years, with Tehran backing Armenia to counterbalance Jerusalem’s backing of Azerbaijan.
—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
25 Apr. 2026
Adelphi offers policy proposals across the IP spectrum that are meant to counterbalance the international strengthening of IP laws, regulations, and enforcement.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for counterbalance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterbalance
Noun
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Other companies offering soil carbon offsets include Denmark’s Agreena, which describes itself as the largest soil carbon program in Europe.
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This structured pair is a close match to Lohan’s shorts with crisp offset pleats and an invisible hemline, both of which dress up the look.
Verb
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Another contractor was brought in to neutralize the green growth using nanobubble technology, which did cut back some of the green growth, but may have led to the new blue finish peeling off the bottom of the pool.
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That legitimate gap does not, however, neutralize the resistance risk their products carry.
Noun
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But the court ruled in February that Republican counter plans violated a Utah referendum prohibiting gerrymandering, solidifying the single district centered on the increasingly liberal Salt Lake City.
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Moments later, a gong signaled a fictional airport announcement informing guests that the scheduled flight to Butterlandia had been canceled and directed them to a Butter Baby check-in counter for a complimentary gift.
Verb
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Week-long gembas, or plant visits, ahead of vehicle launches include about 12 people per project auditing station by station, correcting process sheets, ensuring proper calibration of tools and training of workers, and speaking with plant employees about an issue.
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Transcript text may be revised to correct errors or match updates to audio.
Noun
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The shape of the heel with a wider base provides more support, providing significantly more stability, balance, and weight distribution than traditional slim or stiletto heels.
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Globally, the top concern is work-life balance, specifically when job demands consistently exceed the time and energy workers have to meet them.
Noun
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Avila Chevalier has outside help from Justice Democrats and American Priorities, a pro-Palestinian super PAC formed as a counterweight to AIPAC.
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Her account there is excessive and loose, a counterweight to her essays and memoirs, which can seem opaque and professorial.
Cite this Entry
“Counterbalance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterbalance. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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