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

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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

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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

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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

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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
Lewis set a Guinness World Record for slackline surfing, swaying his feet side to side in a rocking motion that mimics surfing, while keeping his balance above China's Diaoshuilou waterfall in 2011. CBS News, 16 June 2026 After all, striking the perfect balance between comfort and style is what Skechers does best! Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 16 June 2026
Verb
For example, athletes sometimes use HRV to balance hard workouts with recovery, while others may notice how sleep, alcohol, stress or hydration are affecting their readings. Daryl Austin, USA Today, 15 June 2026 Ada County commissioners are considering raising property taxes to balance the budget this year. Idaho Statesman, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for balance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for balance
Noun
  • Adaptive leadership requires people to disturb equilibrium, surface uncomfortable truths and sustain productive tension long enough for learning to occur.
    Britton Bloch, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
  • In its equilibrium, a good tomato sandwich is juicy and unctuous and appropriately messy, which is praise all too often reserved for hot sandwiches like cheesesteaks or patty melts.
    Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 11 June 2026
Noun
  • These colors are so rich, and the bookmatch-style symmetry is neat.
    Ashley Fetters Maloy, Washington Post, 16 June 2026
  • If so, the framework could open a new window into how complex matter organizes itself when the usual action-reaction symmetry breaks down.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 14 June 2026
Noun
  • Due to the scale of SNAP, which is almost 10 times larger in scale compared to food banks, the cutting of SNAP benefits can’t be made up through food banks, Cole said.
    Lina Ruiz June 16, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 June 2026
  • The scales on their wings fleck off and can’t be replaced.
    Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 16 June 2026
Noun
  • This automatically measures the distance between the edges of the folding panels, uses sensors to detect offsets and recalibrates the brightness of adjacent LEDs to hide the tiny slot.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 13 June 2026
  • The traditional approach to ESG reporting tended to involve buying carbon offsets in bulk, taking a supplier's ethical sourcing spreadsheet at face value, or reviewing documentation months after the activity in question had already happened.
    Sean Stein Smith, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
Noun
  • To minimize risks during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) advises incorporating frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 16 June 2026
  • The Spurs’ Dylan Harper, getting plenty of rest, came in like a house afire and threatened to turn the game their way.
    John Nogowski, Hartford Courant, 16 June 2026
Verb
  • There is a version of leadership that confuses visibility with impact, equating big initiatives and dramatic turnarounds with strong leadership.
    Monica Cutia, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
  • Israel and the United States condemned the move, accusing the court of equating Israeli leaders with Hamas terrorists.
    Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 10 June 2026
Verb
  • Businesses denied loans mid-deal Traditional banks often hesitate to deal with small firms.
    Alina Selyukh, NPR, 12 June 2026
  • For example, a manager may hesitate to recommend another woman for a high-profile assignment out of concern that opportunities are limited or that supporting a peer could diminish her own standing.
    Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
Verb
  • Janet agreed to pay over $8,600 in restitution and complete 150 hours of community service.
    Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 14 June 2026
  • In early times, most humans barely paid attention to weather calamities because the region was so sparsely populated.
    Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Balance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/balance. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.

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