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
South Asia remains the strongest-performing developing region, anchored by India’s robust growth, though the conflict is dragging on the broader outlook and threatening to worsen fiscal and current account balances across the region. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 12 June 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, 12 June 2026 Federal survey data show that Americans age 65–74 tend to have some of the highest average bank balances, over $100,000 in many cases. Wes Moss, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026 Not only is inflation rising rapidly, driving up the cost of nearly everything, but budgets are stretched thin as credit card rates and balances remain elevated. Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 11 June 2026 This look balances softness with precision. Sarah Zendejas, Vogue, 10 June 2026 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
Verb
The dish balances the clean flavor of the fish with bright citrus notes and a subtle touch of heat. Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026 The result is an aesthetic that skillfully balances a variety of textures, including injecting Shou Sugi Ban custom treatments inspired by Japanese principles of wabi-sabi that typically employ elements of asymmetry, roughness, and simplicity. Rachel Davies, Architectural Digest, 12 June 2026 Their pursuit leads them down a highly unusual path with no easy answers, and Bong masterfully balances tonal shifts from bleak tragedy to absurdist humor to highlight why the case remains so compelling. Eric Farwell, Entertainment Weekly, 12 June 2026 Materials The wing of your stunt kite should be crafted from a material that balances overall durability with weight. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 12 June 2026 Today, forging a clear path to healing that balances the needs of all impacted to be seen and heard remains a sacred obligation to remembrance. Rev. José Rodriguez, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 June 2026 This is in no small part due, Rahma believes, to the deft editing that balances just on the edge of the platform, so to speak, to distill ten or fifteen minutes of conversation down into a reel or a short-length amount of video. Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 12 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for balances
Noun
  • The scales on their wings fleck off and can’t be replaced.
    Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 16 June 2026
  • Johnson is a throwback big man who tips the scales at 6-foot-9, 250 pounds, but also has the new-age skillset that NBA teams require from frontcourt players.
    Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 15 June 2026
Noun
  • The startup, an eco-friendly digital banking company boasting fossil fuel-free investments, carbon offsets for gas purchases, and a debit card with cash-back benefits for shopping at clean companies, was founded by Sanberg and Andrei Cherny.
    Lily Wright, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2026
  • For roles that require on-site presence, provide meaningful offsets like predictable schedules, shift preference or commute support.
    Upali Nanda, Forbes.com, 19 May 2026
Noun
  • 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
  • The two lightweight chairs and petite round table are perfectly sized for intimate morning coffee dates or a quiet glass of wine at sunset, plus offer back support and arm rests.
    Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 1 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
  • But to the unlikely role of a Bogart-esque reluctant hero, Leonardo DiCaprio brings an intensity that compels even when the script falters.
    Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 8 Dec. 2025
  • The analogy of pooling college football media rights in the same vein as NFL teams falters here, too.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 2 Dec. 2025
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 40,000-square-foot space also features a specialty grocer, a wine cellar, an artisan butcher, a flower shop, and five creative grab-and-go counters.
    Kat Stinson, Travel + Leisure, 11 Dec. 2025
  • Woven baskets, vintage bread boxes, and handmade or hand-painted pottery should adorn the counters of those fully embracing the Nonna Holiday trend.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • The tribe voted against selling, heeding the teachings of earlier Yavapai leaders like Carlos Montezuma, known as Wassaja, Yuma Frank and Frank Dickens to hold fast to the minuscule remainders of their once-mighty land base.
    Debra Utacia Krol, AZCentral.com, 24 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Balances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/balances. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.

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