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
Eric R. Danton, Pitchfork, 21 Apr. 2026
Commissioners have framed the plan as a way to better balance enrollment and resources, while opponents say there are still unanswered questions about funding, student outcomes and community impact.
—Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 21 Apr. 2026
NBC news, 19 Apr. 2026
Colorado’s mayors recognize that balancing the state budget requires difficult choices.
—Heidi Williams, Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for balance
Noun
Part of what made La Peste distinctive was the vocal balance Dayton struck, between disdain and an almost deadpan affect.
—Eric R. Danton, Pitchfork, 21 Apr. 2026
Commissioners have framed the plan as a way to better balance enrollment and resources, while opponents say there are still unanswered questions about funding, student outcomes and community impact.
—Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
You are required by law to balance the budget.
—NBC news, 19 Apr. 2026
Colorado’s mayors recognize that balancing the state budget requires difficult choices.
—Heidi Williams, Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for balance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for balance
Noun
-
In 2022, conservation experts expressed explicit concern with the building’s heavy use of concrete, noting that the museum would require an elaborate (and energy-thirsty) ventilation system to maintain internal temperature equilibrium.—
News Desk,
Artforum,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Fashioned from basalt, stone, and slate, this is the empty canvas upon which every ray of light and the sounds of birds and waves create a dynamic of its own and restore a sense of equilibrium.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The unsettling symmetry of the current moment is that the infrastructure videos and hot-water memes are playing the same role in reverse.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
19 Apr. 2026
-
This similarity suggests that superconductivity in nickelates may be related to Fermi surface reconstruction and electronic symmetry.—
Aman Tripathi,
Interesting Engineering,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Large distributors dominate the market, and they’re built for scale, not specificity.—
Maryam Ahmed,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
22 Apr. 2026
-
According to Musk, at scale, the robot could cost between USD 20,000 and 30,000, roughly in line with a typical car.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The significance of the fault and recognition of its large cumulative offset would not be fully appreciated until the advent of plate tectonics more than 50 years later.—
Kurt Snibbe,
Oc Register,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Lastly, what about those spending offsets?—
Editorial,
Boston Herald,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
For the remaining time, they are expected to stay on call, often without rest, ready to care for vulnerable New Yorkers.—
Christopher Marte,
New York Daily News,
21 Apr. 2026
-
This means rest could be misclassified as sleep in some cases.—
Melissa Rudy,
FOXNews.com,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
In popular culture, resilience is often equated with grit, toughness or relentless positivity.—
Keith M. Bellizzi,
The Conversation,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Sara Aparacio, a resident cleaning expert at Homeaglow, equates scrubbing an appliance with an abrasive sponge to rubbing it with very fine sandpaper.—
Maria Sabella,
The Spruce,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
That qualifies as a bold move in an era when legendary and up-and-coming artists alike often hesitate to perform even one or two songs from their latest albums — the better to avoid an exodus of attendees making a beeline for refreshments, restrooms or the merch booths.—
George Varga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
-
At the same time, what is happening right now should not undermine confidence in hospice care or cause patients and families in California and across the country to hesitate when considering it.—
Tom Koutsoumpas,
Oc Register,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
In 2025, the department spent about thirty million dollars paying people not to work.—
Zach Helfand,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
-
In fact, many retailers find themselves in a similar quandary because tariff refunds will go to whoever paid the actual customs bill.—
Alina Selyukh,
NPR,
19 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Balance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/balance. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.
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