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 number of accounts with balances of $1 million or more rose to an all-time high of 595,000 by the end of the second quarter, up from 512,000 at the end of the first quarter and up from 497,000 a year earlier. Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2025 New record highs reached for average 401(k) balances On average, many savers didn't need to dread taking a peek at their 401(k) statements as of late June. Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 4 Sep. 2025 The Student Debt Landscape As a result, student loan balances continue to rise. Meredith Moore, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025 The weight of unpaid medical bills, credit card balances, and other financial burdens can feel like a nightmare for many. Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 28 Aug. 2025 This Jo Malone candle that Broomfield recommends balances delicate floral notes with suede. Abbey Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Aug. 2025 Unlike America’s trade balances, which economists view as generally favorable for consumers, there’s no doubt that the cost of importing oil weighs heavily on other nations. Bill McKibben, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2025 The best plan is to focus on paying the highest-interest balances down first while maintaining minimum payments on the rest, then repeating the process until debt-free. Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Aug. 2025 Signature Hot combines Cajun heat with a hint of sweetness, Sweet ‘N Spicy balances chili, garlic and ginger, and Honey BBQ delivers a bold, tangy flavor. Moná Thomas, People.com, 18 Aug. 2025
Verb
Here’s how Amin balances advocacy, external pressures, and the bottom line. Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 5 Sep. 2025 This natural light helps enhance Maser’s coastal southern palette, which balances neutral finishes with playful details. Lennie Omalza, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Sep. 2025 Rather than separate her interests in music from her interest in activism, Moyana has created a sweet artistic life that balances her creativity with her goal of improving the lives of others, especially children. Britt Julious, Chicago Tribune, 4 Sep. 2025 Her advice for the next generation balances pragmatism with vision. Essence, 4 Sep. 2025 Recent engineering work details 5-MW reference designs (two- and three-blade variants) and how the unusual geometry balances loads and power capture across wind speeds. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2025 Puri asked how Ferriss balances tradeoffs between quantity and quality. Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025 Editors thought Walmart's potato salad was the most classic of the bunch, with the best flavor that nicely balances tang and sweetness. Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 1 Sep. 2025 When paired with creamy oatmilk, the pecan balances the vibrant, rich flavor notes of Starbucks Blonde Espresso. Daniel Orton, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for balances
Noun
  • The Israeli officials who spoke to CNN said Netanyahu is considering various scales and levels of annexation options, ranging from a limited takeover of several Jewish settlements to a broader approach calling for annexation of Area C, which comprises 60% of the territory.
    Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Also found at the site were some bony fish scales and teeth and incomplete plesiosaurian teeth, indicating a humid climate and complex ecosystem, according to the paper.
    Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 2 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • These benefits are driven in large part by type 2 diabetes outcomes, where cost offsets from fewer hospitalizations and complications outweigh drug costs.
    Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Destructive offsets are used to buy rights to destroy more.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 10 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Streamlined and minimal, the only bells and whistles in Branch’s office furniture are details that make your workday better (like adjustable arm rests and flexible lumbar support).
    Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 27 Aug. 2025
  • For features like front and rear heated, vented and massage seats, for rear seats with foot rests and a center console with more controls, buyers can look to the Autobiography (from $154,700) or top-of-the-line SV (from $213,200).
    Scotty Reiss, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Dunne captures all of that in the title track, a bouncy, bittersweet singalong that equates success with a baked seafood dish.
    Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The Pentagon equates Venezuelan President Maduro's government to a narco-trafficking cartel.
    Phil Stewart, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Confidence falters as the moon meets Venus.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Where government funding falters, private industry must become a vital partner to bridge the gap.
    Denis Mandich, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Its name, Albatross, pays tribute to the massive seabird known for its ability to travel thousands of miles across the open ocean without much wing-flapping.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2025
  • This benefits Apple as Google pays the company billions per year to be the default search engine on iPhones.
    Pia Singh, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Remove wood piles and clutter, seal cracks and leaks, and keep your floors, counters, and appliances clean to prevent pests from entering.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Most natural stone counters should be sealed at least once a year to protect them, while butcher block and soapstone can be shined up with mineral oil.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Initially, Ugarte is marked by Kevin De Bruyne, but once Mazraoui plays the ball to Mainoo, the Uruguay midfielder adjusts his position to be a passing option.
    Ahmed Walid, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
  • California adjusts lottery prize amounts based on the number of tickets sold and number of winners.
    Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 4 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Balances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/balances. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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