1
as in scales
a device for measuring weight
use a balance to make sure you get the amounts precisely correct
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
as in rests
a remaining group or portion
and the balance of the contestants should stand in that last corner
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in equates
to make equal in amount, degree, or status
tried to balance the total amount of money spent on gifts for each child
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in falters
to show uncertainty about the right course of action
his tendency to balance and waffle on certain hot-button issues may hurt him in the general election
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in pays
to give what is owed for
she had to balance her account with the hotel before checking out of her room
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of balances
Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 5 Feb. 2026
The transit agency last month told riders to spend down their accounts because balances would not transfer — an announcement that drew criticism from some riders.
—Sara Gregory, AJC.com, 5 Feb. 2026
Retirement balances are roughly 30% lower among employees over age 50 who currently have student debt, at an average of $153,000, compared to $221,000 for savers in that age group who do not have such loans, the financial services company wrote in a report published Wednesday.
—Annie Nova, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2026
The foundation has also eased seasonal burdens by covering holiday layaway balances for 515 military families.
—CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026
Growth in export capacity has reshaped domestic balances, tying incremental demand to global markets.
—Bryce Erickson, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 7 Feb. 2026
The site has become a test case for how Dallas balances the interests of housing development, community trust and environmental risk.
—Dallas Morning News, 6 Feb. 2026
Grapeseed oil balances things out with omega-6 fatty acids and antioxidants that help protect skin from everyday environmental stressors, while meadowfoam seed oil helps lock everything in, leaving skin smoother, more supple, and radiant.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 5 Feb. 2026
This dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) tactic balances the nervous system, taking us from a sympathetic response back to a parasympathetic state.
—Stefanie Groner, Glamour, 4 Feb. 2026
This is a distinct policy choice that balances individual liberty with collective risk.
—Torie Bosch, STAT, 31 Jan. 2026
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
Carroll balances it all as a full-time pedagogue.
—Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
More Americans have seven-figure balances in 401(k) accounts, thanks to a surging stock market and rising retirement savings rates.
—Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 5 Feb. 2026
The transit agency last month told riders to spend down their accounts because balances would not transfer — an announcement that drew criticism from some riders.
—Sara Gregory, AJC.com, 5 Feb. 2026
Retirement balances are roughly 30% lower among employees over age 50 who currently have student debt, at an average of $153,000, compared to $221,000 for savers in that age group who do not have such loans, the financial services company wrote in a report published Wednesday.
—Annie Nova, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2026
The foundation has also eased seasonal burdens by covering holiday layaway balances for 515 military families.
—CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026
Growth in export capacity has reshaped domestic balances, tying incremental demand to global markets.
—Bryce Erickson, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Verb
This contemporary restaurant carefully balances traditional Thai flavors with eye-catching, modern presentations.
—Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 7 Feb. 2026
The site has become a test case for how Dallas balances the interests of housing development, community trust and environmental risk.
—Dallas Morning News, 6 Feb. 2026
Grapeseed oil balances things out with omega-6 fatty acids and antioxidants that help protect skin from everyday environmental stressors, while meadowfoam seed oil helps lock everything in, leaving skin smoother, more supple, and radiant.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 5 Feb. 2026
This dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) tactic balances the nervous system, taking us from a sympathetic response back to a parasympathetic state.
—Stefanie Groner, Glamour, 4 Feb. 2026
This is a distinct policy choice that balances individual liberty with collective risk.
—Torie Bosch, STAT, 31 Jan. 2026
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
Carroll balances it all as a full-time pedagogue.
—Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 30 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
-
What never falters is the euphoric chaos of the experience.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Feb. 2026
-
Where the film falters is in its plodding rhythm and clunky dialogue, much of which is delivered too flatly by actors who don’t exactly steal their scenes.—
Jordan Mintzer,
HollywoodReporter,
4 Feb. 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
-
Besides the checkpoint, the West Infill project is set to bring additional amenities to the terminal's mezzanine level, including new ticket counters for airlines and infrastructure upgrades for the airport’s baggage handling system.—
Alex Driggars,
Austin American Statesman,
6 Feb. 2026
-
If it is being used by bean-counters to cut jobs and cut costs, that’s a negative thing.—
Cynthia Littleton,
Variety,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
But organizers said that the leaner program reflected a strategic reallocation of budget resources rather than a tightening of the belt as the trade show adjusts to a more cautious, fragmented global fashion market.—
Rhonda Richford,
Footwear News,
5 Feb. 2026
-
The metering system automatically adjusts how long motorists are held before entering the highway depending on traffic conditions, Liccardo said.—
Don Sweeney,
Sacbee.com,
31 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Balances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/balances. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.
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