balances 1 of 2

plural of balance
1
as in scales
a device for measuring weight use a balance to make sure you get the amounts precisely correct

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in offsets
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

3

balances

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of balance

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 balances
Noun
In addition, officials said, another invoice has since gone past its due date, with total overdue balances reaching approximately $916,000. Nathan Ansell, Arkansas Online, 29 May 2026 But at his best, Bukayo Saka is just as effective, and a left-footer balances the attack out nicely. Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 29 May 2026 Those starting out with smaller investment limits might consider coins or small bullions, while those with higher balances to transfer might consider using a gold IRA. Liz Knueven, CNBC, 29 May 2026 Merrill balances can help unlock higher tiers. Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026 As more retirees' budgets are stretched thin, an increasing number of seniors are also carrying credit card balances, medical debt and personal loans into retirement. Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 28 May 2026
Verb
Ravishing and exhilarating, The Handmaiden is about both intimate love and crude obscenity, which Chan-wook expertly balances to complement each other well. Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 6 June 2026 His performance balances youthful idealism, simmering rage and heartbreaking vulnerability, particularly as the character becomes increasingly consumed by the injustices unfolding around him. Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 3 June 2026 That perspective has shaped a model that balances litigation readiness with a broader emphasis on client experience and long-term growth. K. H. Koehler, USA Today, 3 June 2026 According to Valera, a great Ceviche balances the umami of Florida seafood, like grouper, mahi-mahi, or Florida yellowtail snapper; with citrus and a touch of spiciness. Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 30 May 2026 But, just as the film balances a wild blend of sci-fi, fantasy, comedy, action, and 80's nostalgia, Teela balances her role as a serious warrior and leader with some seriously relatable emotional ties. Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 30 May 2026 Inside, the home balances historic detail with modern livability. David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 30 May 2026 Rooted in storytelling, memory and material refinement, Moonface is a collection of sculptural wall lights that balances playful form with timeless sophistication. Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 28 May 2026 The manicure trend balances playful and polished aesthetics, with designs ranging from retro tulips and tropical hibiscus florals to minimalist French tips and subtle accent flowers. Emily Kelleher, InStyle, 28 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for balances
Noun
  • The move drew criticism from progressive and Hispanic Democrats who argued the DCCC was unfairly trying to tip the scales in the race.
    Mathew Miranda June 9, Sacbee.com, 10 June 2026
  • Smart fabrics and nanofabrics are textiles engineered at very small scales to interact with particles and chemicals.
    Sumit Mandal, The Conversation, 9 June 2026
Noun
  • Certain federal obligations, such as unpaid federal taxes, federal student loans and some child support or alimony obligations, may result in benefit offsets or garnishment under specific circumstances.
    Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 8 June 2026
  • Future removals, offsets, shifting baselines, and technological breakthroughs can keep many strategies plausible at once.
    London Business School, Forbes.com, 24 May 2026
Noun
  • The puzzle-like slats holding the barrel together, called staves, are often used in his creations, incorporated into cocktail muddlers and cigar rests, not to mention a recent life-size buffalo made from the spent barrel pieces.
    Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026
  • Do note that inflatable foot rests are typically not allowed in exit rows, and must be stowed during takeoff and landing.
    Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 3 June 2026
Verb
  • Five Hundred Years of Religion in America means this is not just another history going back to 1776, and this is not a book that equates religion with Christianity.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 June 2026
  • The webpage equates undocumented immigrants with extraterrestrials.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 3 June 2026
Verb
  • If Smack falters, Havrisik — who kicked in three games last season — is an option.
    Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
  • Once there’s some significant progress on the cross-country escape plan, the film falters a bit.
    Josh Slater-Williams, IndieWire, 20 May 2026
Verb
  • Ohio pays nursing homes a daily rate for Medicaid residents and provides additional payments to facilities that meet certain quality benchmarks.
    Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 11 June 2026
  • At the end of the evening all guests received a copy of the stunning new book Santo Domingo, published by the prestigious Assouline publishing house, which pays homage to the country’s vibrant capital city, its rich history, and its exhilarating future.
    Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 June 2026
Noun
  • The counters were regularly wiped clean because of messy diaper changes and after meals.
    Jenny Hughes, Parents, 28 May 2026
  • The Michelin Guide on Thursday afternoon announced that a pair of chef counters, Emelina in West Palm Beach and Mutra in North Miami, each earned one star.
    Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 28 May 2026
Noun
  • Perhaps even a rag-tag group of remainders can put a scare into San Antonio.
    Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 1 May 2026
  • The best-case scenario would be for the Lakers’ remainders to extend the best-of-seven series with the Rockets long enough for Doncic and Reaves to rejoin LeBron James in that Big Three, either at the end of this series or the start of the next one.
    Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 13 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Balances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/balances. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.

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