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
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
Paul Taylor, New York Times, 19 May 2025
Like the filmmakers of France’s New Wave, Mendonça began his career as a reporter and critic, and that sensibility infuses every frame, striking an enticing balance between originality and homage.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 18 May 2025
AFAR Media, 20 May 2025
On aid: Benjamin Netanyahu must balance right-wing political allies who oppose sending food to Gaza, and foreign allies — including the Trump administration — who fear a famine.
—Catie Edmondson, New York Times, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for balance
Noun
At the London Stadium yesterday, his balance and poise, his swaggering confidence and creativity on the ball, were once again matched by his industry and work rate.
—Paul Taylor, New York Times, 19 May 2025
Like the filmmakers of France’s New Wave, Mendonça began his career as a reporter and critic, and that sensibility infuses every frame, striking an enticing balance between originality and homage.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 18 May 2025
Verb
With a bright blend of red fruit flavors and a hint of spice and earthy undertones, balanced by a smooth, medium-bodied structure and a long finish, the wine is a sublime match for the duck’s dark, savory flavor.
—AFAR Media, 20 May 2025
On aid: Benjamin Netanyahu must balance right-wing political allies who oppose sending food to Gaza, and foreign allies — including the Trump administration — who fear a famine.
—Catie Edmondson, New York Times, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for balance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for balance
Noun
-
The most successful travelers on this journey into uncharted hybrid territory will be those who can curate the magic of natural and artificial intelligences intentionally, calibrating the hybrid equilibrium that is the sweet spot where their own unique potential is revealed.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
5 May 2025
-
Moral degeneration accompanies the physical; lying is one of the outstanding characteristics, probably due to lack of moral equilibrium.—
Wade Davis,
Rolling Stone,
6 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
While there’s plenty of overlap in areas such as symmetry, roof details, and classical influence, Federal architecture features more delicate and intricate details than Georgian architecture, which has a heavier, more Baroque influence.—
Patricia Shannon,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 May 2025
-
His puzzles have interesting geometry; today’s has diagonal symmetry, which allows for an unusual arrangement of long and short entries.—
Caitlin Lovinger,
New York Times,
17 May 2025
Noun
-
Nevertheless, the scale of the shortfall raises concerns about broader demand trends and could even suggest a loss of market share for Super Micro Computer to rivals like Dell Technologies.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
14 May 2025
-
Second: The scale of the potential corruption is boundless.—
Allison Morrow,
CNN Money,
14 May 2025
Noun
-
But markets are betting that making the 2017 tax cuts permanent as well as eliminating taxes on tips and overtime, with only partial revenue offsets, will aggravate the fiscal problems.—
Jeff Cox,
CNBC,
21 May 2025
-
Those efforts and the pandemic pause significantly reduced the number of seniors facing offsets.—
Shahar Ziv,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2025
Noun
-
Even as a therapist, Luke admits to grappling with shame around rest.—
Stephanie Long,
Essence,
15 May 2025
-
Oilers at Golden Knights 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN Edmonton can also clinch the series and some rest here.—
Chris Branch,
New York Times,
14 May 2025
Verb
-
In a society that often equates American influence with might or money or celebrity, now our foremost representative on the global stage is a humble man in white robes, preaching love, justice, and mercy.—
Christopher Hale,
Time,
9 May 2025
-
In the Oval Office Friday, Trump said the reduction in shipments from China means the United States is no longer losing money — a frequent if highly inaccurate refrain from the president that mistakenly equates a trade imbalance with losses.—
David Goldman,
CNN Money,
9 May 2025
Verb
-
Marsch didn’t hesitate to call on the 21-year-old to replace Davies in March.—
Joshua Kloke,
New York Times,
21 May 2025
-
When asked to reflect on a moment that stands out from his 5-year tenure (2000-2005), AJ didn’t hesitate.—
Amber Corrine,
VIBE.com,
20 May 2025
Verb
-
That hasn’t stopped companies from throwing millions of dollars in bonuses and pay packages at star researchers, according to seven sources familiar with the matter.—
Anna Tong,
USA Today,
22 May 2025
-
The nonprofit is responsible for paying for and completing the second phase, and has raised nearly 70% of costs, Jacqueline Higgins, Forever Balboa Park’s vice president of planning, told the Union-Tribune.—
Jennifer Van Grove,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
21 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Balance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/balance. Accessed 28 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share