Synonyms of balance

balance 1 of 2

noun

ˈba-lən(t)s 

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

• equilibrium
• equilibration
• stasis
• poise
• equipoise
• counterbalance
• counterpoise
• offset
• stability
• steadiness
• firmness
• security
• fixedness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• imbalance
• unbalance
• disequilibrium
• nonequilibrium
• instability
• fluctuation
• volatility
• insecurity
• disequilibration
• precariousness
• mutability
• unsteadiness
• changeability
• inconstancy
• shakiness

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

• symmetry
• proportion
• harmony
• orchestration
• correlation
• unity
• equilibrium
• coherence
• consonance
• symphony
• coordination
• consonancy
• concinnity
• equalization
• uniformity
• regularity
• orderliness
• correspondence
• evenness
• order

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• imbalance
• asymmetry
• tension
• violence
• disproportion
• discordance
• disturbance
• confusion
• disunity
• dissonance
• incoherence
• disorganization
• incompatibility
• irregularity
• unevenness
• disconnectedness
• disjointedness

3

as in scale

a device for measuring weight

use a balance to make sure you get the amounts precisely correct

Synonyms & Similar Words

• scale
• gravimeter

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

• offset
• counter
• corrective
• counterbalance
• counterweight
• equipoise
• counterpoise
• counterforce
• counteraction
• ballast
• neutralizer
• canceller
• canceler
• trade-off
• weight

5

as in rest

a remaining group or portion

and the balance of the contestants should stand in that last corner

Synonyms & Similar Words

• rest
• remainder
• remnant
• remains
• residuum
• residue
• odds and ends
• leftovers
• leavings
• surplus
• fragment
• excess
• stump
• vestige
• butt
• stub
• overabundance
• scrap
• overkill
• surfeit
• overage
• oversupply
• overflow
• scraping(s)
• superabundance
• fat
• overmuch
• superfluity
• oddment

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• body
• most
• weight
• mass
• bulk
• main

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• equate
• adjust
• equalize
• compensate
• accommodate
• level
• even
• counterbalance
• equilibrate
• fit
• standardize
• equipoise
• normalize
• regularize
• democratize
• homogenize

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• disequilibrate

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

• hesitate
• falter
• hang back
• debate
• halt
• vacillate
• stagger
• wait
• waver
• wobble
• dither
• sway
• scruple
• wabble
• teeter
• pause
• delay
• weigh
• back down
• deliberate
• chicken (out)
• linger
• shilly-shally
• ponder
• hem
• procrastinate
• oscillate
• haw
• dawdle
• hedge
• consider
• equivocate
• waffle
• pussyfoot
• dally

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• decide
• continue
• plunge (in)
• dive (in)
• stir
• advance
• budge

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• pay
• meet
• settle
• pay off
• stand
• pay up
• liquidate
• foot
• discharge
• spring (for)
• clear
• ante (up)
• pony up
• recompense
• quit

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• repudiate

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of balance

Noun

Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan and Hong Kong are among the other economies reporting GDP, providing a broader look at growth momentum and external balances across the region. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2025

Another set crisscrossed over the instep before circling the ankle, which Rae wore twisted to the front — a subtle switch from the standard placement that changed the entire balance of the look. —Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 10 Aug. 2025

Verb

Prompts from the company’s 700 million weekly users will be automatically routed to the appropriate version of the model, balancing cost and latency with capability. —semafor.com, 11 Aug. 2025

Under China’s electricity system, each province is responsible for balancing its supply and demand. —Wesley Alexander Hill, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025