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
Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 7 Apr. 2026
Because using your refund to pay down your balance may save you a mint.
—Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 7 Apr. 2026
Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Apr. 2026
Take Allan Fuchs, a West Texas grower facing limited rainfall and the constant need to balance economic viability with environmental sustainability.
—Sj Studio, Footwear News, 6 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for balance
Noun
Not only does this provide balance for the effervescent strawberry note, but helps to ground it and mellow out the juicy sweetness.
—Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 7 Apr. 2026
Because using your refund to pay down your balance may save you a mint.
—Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 7 Apr. 2026
Verb
Also in that story is a look at how the Padres catchers are balancing their offensive and defensive duties, and Jeff hustled out to the box seats atop the Green Monster to talk to the Padres fan who caught Machado’s homer.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Apr. 2026
Take Allan Fuchs, a West Texas grower facing limited rainfall and the constant need to balance economic viability with environmental sustainability.
—Sj Studio, Footwear News, 6 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for balance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for balance
Noun
-
Once price breaks above or below the cloud, traders often watch to see whether price holds above or below the Kijun-sen, which acts as an equilibrium level, before confirming a new trend direction.—
Karl Montevirgen,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
2 Apr. 2026
-
With Brent crude hovering above $115 and the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed, the question is whether the labor market’s low-hire, low-fire equilibrium can survive an energy shock.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Continue the trend and let your backyard speak to its symmetry.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
3 Apr. 2026
-
But a number of architects and preservation groups provided their opinions of the 90,000 square foot project, generally characterizing it as way out of scale with the Executive Residence, the main part of the White House, while throwing off the symmetry of the grounds.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The office-to-apartment conversion is part of the latest wave of older office buildings trying to compete for viability against newer buildings in Charlotte and on a national scale.—
Desiree Mathurin
April 8,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Apr. 2026
-
General Daily Insight for April 08, 2026 Making a difference matters, even on a small scale.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
For example, paying off overdue federal taxes or bringing a federal student loan out of default could prevent an offset entirely.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Using small offset spatula, smooth into an even layer, working all the way to edges.—
Shilpa Uskokovic,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Marchán will play again on Wednesday because Realmuto will need some rest for his bruised right foot.—
Matt Gelb,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Last week, the Royals pushed Wacha due to illness, which granted him additional rest.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Wright equates climate-change activists to alarmists and has likened efforts by Democrats to combat global warming to Soviet-style communism.—
Anca Gurzu,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Leon expressed frustration at Roth's attempts to equate the massive ballroom project with relatively modest construction work at the White House under previous administrations.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
If a gatekeeper hesitates, breathe and restate your win.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Peers hesitate to challenge them.—
Marlo Lyons,
Harvard Business Review,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Many players also opt for deferrals and large signing bonuses (as opposed to a higher salary) to avoid paying income tax in certain states.—
Dan Sheldon,
New York Times,
6 Apr. 2026
-
The paying public went from raucous to delirious on the next possession, when Curry raced downcourt and splashed a triple off the dribble.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
6 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Balance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/balance. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
