1
as in equilibrium
a condition in which opposing forces are equal to one another
in order to determine the weight of that beaker, you need to get the two pans of the scale in perfect balance
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in symmetry
a balanced, pleasing, or suitable arrangement of parts
the balance of the landscaping is in keeping with the symmetry of so many 18th-century mansions
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
as in rest
a remaining group or portion
and the balance of the contestants should stand in that last corner
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
as in to hesitate
to show uncertainty about the right course of action
his tendency to balance and waffle on certain hot-button issues may hurt him in the general election
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of balance
Nick Perry, USA Today, 9 June 2026
So, rather than carrying a mortgage-free home and little or no debt, many retirees are now trying to juggle credit card balances, personal loans, tax obligations and other financial commitments well into their 60s and 70s.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 9 June 2026
Jay Blitzman, The Conversation, 8 June 2026
In the Maienfeld sports hall, rows of tables extended the length of a basketball court, and waiters weaved among them, balancing trays of coffee and nut torte.
—Jessi Jezewska Stevens, New Yorker, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for balance
Noun
During our testing, this feature made progress on student loan repayment feel more tangible by showing how each payment affected overall net worth rather than simply reducing an account balance.
—Nick Perry, USA Today, 9 June 2026
So, rather than carrying a mortgage-free home and little or no debt, many retirees are now trying to juggle credit card balances, personal loans, tax obligations and other financial commitments well into their 60s and 70s.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 9 June 2026
Verb
That’s supposed to be balanced with holding young people accountable in ways that reflect their age and degree of maturity.
—Jay Blitzman, The Conversation, 8 June 2026
In the Maienfeld sports hall, rows of tables extended the length of a basketball court, and waiters weaved among them, balancing trays of coffee and nut torte.
—Jessi Jezewska Stevens, New Yorker, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for balance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for balance
Noun
-
Mary disrupts Clark’s equilibrium with the Backrooms by refusing to validate his excuses for his behavior, fully calling out his failings, his petty assholery, and his glib, solipsistic lies.—
Tasha Robinson,
Vulture,
29 May 2026
-
That equilibrium was sustained not by the courts or the Voting Rights Act but by behavior.—
Bruce Sibley,
Time,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
The symmetry of our lives becomes apparent.—
Zinzi Clemmons,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2026
-
Clean lines and symmetry create a modern style garden.—
Marie Iannotti,
The Spruce,
5 June 2026
Noun
-
Dogs would be at the other end of the scale, metonymic creatures that stand in for us—and did for Diogenes—by virtue of their cultural proximity.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 June 2026
-
The move drew criticism from progressive and Hispanic Democrats who argued the DCCC was unfairly trying to tip the scales in the race.—
Mathew Miranda
June 9,
Sacbee.com,
10 June 2026
Noun
-
During Disney’s most recent quarterly report in early May, the company’s entertainment segment reported that streaming revenue offset declines in both linear affiliate fees and advertising.—
Lillian Rizzo,
CNBC,
31 May 2026
-
Apply a thin crumb coat of buttercream over the entire cake to seal in crumbs, using an offset spatula to smooth it evenly.—
Kate Bradshaw,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 May 2026
Noun
-
Andersen didn’t dress in Game 4 and was listed as a healthy scratch; Brind’Amour said after the game that Andersen, who’d played every minute of the postseason until Game 3, needed a rest.—
Michael Russo,
New York Times,
10 June 2026
-
The Valkyries signed the 6-foot-4, former Stanford standout to a rest-of-season contract on Sunday, also waiving forward Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda in a corresponding move.—
Nathan Canilao,
Mercury News,
10 June 2026
Verb
-
The webpage equates undocumented immigrants with extraterrestrials.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
3 June 2026
-
Happiness is equated early on to alpine hamlets ensconced between verdant mountains carved by pristine waterfalls.—
Viju Mathew,
Robb Report,
1 June 2026
Verb
-
But at the last second, Pages pulled up to let Tucker make the catch, and Tucker hesitated before flailing after it.—
Maddie Lee,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2026
-
While their rivals started spending significant sums of money as soon as the 2024-25 season finished, Spurs wasted a couple of weeks hesitating about the long-term future of then head coach Ange Postecoglou before replacing him with Thomas Frank.—
David Ornstein,
New York Times,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
Bourzgui, whose father immigrated to America from Morocco, went on to pay tribute to Palestine and his own Arab heritage.—
Jessica Gelt,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2026
-
Already, attention must be paid, and italics must be used, because eyepatch Armand is, to use his favorite word, fascinating.—
Rebecca Alter,
Vulture,
8 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Balance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/balance. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
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