balances 1 of 2

Definition of balancesnext
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
Keep your credit card balances low Try to use less than 30% of your available credit on each card. Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2026 There are other ways to organize debt, lower monthly payments or reduce balances, all without borrowing more money upfront. Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 29 Jan. 2026 Banks that can attract and retain deposits, especially operating and transaction balances, can price credit, invest in product, and survive downturns in ways that fee-only or wholesale-funded models can’t. Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026 Dickerson and Stephens are both current on their car loans and working with National Debt Relief to reduce their credit card balances. Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 27 Jan. 2026 Not only are hospital CEOs paid obscene amounts of money and the hospitals are sitting on fat cash balances, but NewYork–Presbyterian is guilty of something even more grotesque. Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 27 Jan. 2026 Missing multiple years of returns, large balances or IRS enforcement actions can make the process harder to navigate. Roxanne Downer, USA Today, 27 Jan. 2026 Its aesthetic carefully balances historic charm with hints of modern design. Lennie Omalza, Louisville Courier Journal, 22 Jan. 2026
Verb
In combination with the waist-cinching belt, the lapel collar balances your figure for a flattering fit and stately appearance that can take you from work to the weekend. Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 31 Jan. 2026 The show captures a sense of thrilling chaos — emotional, professional, and otherwise — and manages to keep a light, spiky tone that balances the heavier material. Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Jan. 2026 Tangy cream cheese frosting on top perfectly balances the sweetness of the rolls. Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 30 Jan. 2026 Carroll balances it all as a full-time pedagogue. Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026 Based in Denver, Rich balances his professional pursuits with family life, enjoying outdoor activities with his wife and two sons. Rich Tabaka, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026 Shah balances conventional medicine with emerging tools, like advanced labs and wearables, more responsibly than many longevity podcasts. Sohaib Imtiaz, Health, 27 Jan. 2026 Shlesinger balances the drama and comedy of the film, while Mullally provides constant laughs with her Southern drawl and absurd motherly criticisms of her daughter. Glenn Garner, Deadline, 26 Jan. 2026 Inside, the Hummer EV balances rugged design with high-end tech. New Atlas, 23 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for balances
Noun
  • On LinkedIn, company leadership has shared updates about partnerships aimed at improving compliance and user onboarding, reflecting efforts to strengthen infrastructure and regulatory controls as the platform scales.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 1 Feb. 2026
  • A couple of years ago, darker washes were vying for the top spot as the most popular jeans, but in 2026 the scales have tipped the other way.
    Marilú Almaguer, Glamour, 31 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The social cost of carbon is considered a more accurate accounting of harm from climate change than other calculations used as the basis of carbon credits or carbon offsets to travelers, according to Scripps.
    Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 15 Jan. 2026
  • That extra $71 billion offsets almost 60% of the gains from tariffs.
    Shawn Tully, Fortune, 15 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The ergonomic, curved frame provides extra comfort, while the drink holder and arm rests are ideal for relaxation.
    Shea Simmons, PEOPLE, 28 Jan. 2026
  • The second row is equipped with dual independent zero-gravity captain’s chairs that include leg rests and support full 180-degree rotation, turning the cabin into a flexible social or relaxation space.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 24 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Subsequent rulings expanded the assault on our electoral system, including Citizens United, which equates people to corporations — more nonsense.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Meghan Callahan, from the Empower Fans Coalition, a group that opposes the bill, equates this licensing change to taking a lease out on the ticket.
    Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • But again, the editing is where the experiment truly falters.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Carbon dioxide builds up in the bloodstream, hypoxia sets in, and circulation falters.
    Ben Taub, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • And that gets you mad, which pays my bills.
    Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
  • The bungalow is outfitted with a dishwasher and washer and dryer; Adams pays $2,340 in rent including utilities.
    Lina Abascal, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • But searing also often results in oil that splatters all over the stovetop (and sometimes the surrounding counters, floor, appliances…and the cook).
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Without concerted effort, areas like kitchen counters and bathroom sinks can easily turn into landing strips for everything from setting spray to immersion blenders, Bergman explains.
    Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 29 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • When the winemaker adjusts fermentation, canopy management, or oak regimes, the kitchen adapts its pairings.
    Emily Price, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Antidepressants are known to have adverse effects that often fade as your body adjusts.
    The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Balances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/balances. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.

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