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
The stock market's near record highs, swelling 401(k)s and other retirement account balances. Medora Lee, USA Today, 20 June 2026 Noticing balances thinking without replacing it. Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026 Tinged with a touch of prep and love of bold colors, their collection balances classic motifs with trend-forward patterns for a pick that feels personal but accessible. Alyssa Longobucco, Architectural Digest, 19 June 2026 Recently premiered at Tribeca and Sheffield DocFest, Khoroldorj Choijoovanchig's second feature balances intimate human portraiture against spectacular vistas of an unknown-to-most landscape. Guy Lodge, Variety, 18 June 2026 Depending on your situation, debt consolidation, debt management, debt settlement or even bankruptcy could help address unaffordable balances and prevent collection activity from escalating. Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 18 June 2026 Councilmember Kent Lee, who represents neighborhoods unaffected by the opportunity fund, suggested the city adjust the allocation formula to eliminate bank balances as a criterion. David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 June 2026 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
Verb
For a non-stuffy button-down shirt like Kidman’s, this linen option nicely balances a relaxed yet polished look. Caitlyn Fitzpatrick, PEOPLE, 21 June 2026 Further drawing from classical dance skirts and ruff collars, the design team merges the reimagined construction and pleating with the shoe’s functional silhouette—resulting in a concept sneaker that balances performance with artistic expression, Asics noted. Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 20 June 2026 Led by industry veterans James Ragonese and Reno Christou, with Chef Christos Bisiotis crafting a diverse menu that balances tradition with contemporary flair, Selene provides high-quality ingredients and creative dishes. Shivani Vora, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026 Shredded cardboard works as worm bin substrate, balances compost, and traps pests like slugs. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 June 2026 The film balances emotional character growth with some truly epic action sequences, while Jason Momoa’s Lobo is an absolute scene-stealer. James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 18 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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for balances
Noun
  • To precisely print transistors at these infinitesimal scales, light with an incredibly short wavelength must be used.
    Rob Toews, Forbes.com, 22 June 2026
  • The parade marchers dressed in a sea of fishnets, glitter, metallic scales, and neon wigs, but the crowd similarly brought their nautical A-game.
    Amir Hamja, Vogue, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • Unlike private debts, these types of federal debts can sometimes result in benefit offsets or other collection actions.
    Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 22 June 2026
  • Other companies offering soil carbon offsets include Denmark’s Agreena, which describes itself as the largest soil carbon program in Europe.
    Jasmin Sykes, CNN Money, 19 June 2026
Noun
  • Few spoon rests go above and beyond like this one.
    Mina Dragani, Architectural Digest, 18 June 2026
  • 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
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
  • Such investors might be more inclined to dump their shares if the company's growth falters, rather than ride out the storm, Grelck said.
    Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 10 June 2026
  • Sometimes, things get a bit heavy-handed, and while there’s certainly room for museums to bear the stamp of their founders, as do the Frick Collection in New York, the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia, and many others, Alice Walton’s vision sometimes falters in execution.
    Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 8 June 2026
Verb
  • The agency also pays for 10 shelter beds at the Gateway Center and Salvation Army.
    Sara Gregory, AJC.com, 18 June 2026
  • The Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) Trust Fund—the primary fund that pays retirement benefits—is now projected to run dry in 2032, one year sooner than last year’s estimate.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 17 June 2026
Noun
  • These tiers can help display more petite refreshments, adding depth to your tablescape or saving space on your tables and counters.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 19 June 2026
  • Why scent is trending right now Social media did what perfume counters could not.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 18 June 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 24 Jun. 2026.

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