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
Andrii Dodonov/Getty Images The idea of debt collectors contacting borrowers about their unpaid balances is nothing new. Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 12 Mar. 2026 While hardship withdrawals are at an all-time high, 401(k) balances have also jumped 11% from 2024 to 2025, driven by strong gains in the market. Brian Sloan,dan Avery, CNBC, 12 Mar. 2026 The agreement also required that officers with time balances over 200 hours use at least 40 hours per year. Devan Patel, Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2026 This from-scratch spin on a grocery store favorite balances the heat of habanero chiles with the sweetness of fresh mango. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Mar. 2026 Median balances of $2,000 for boomers and $500 for Gen Xers, from Empower, reinforce the picture. Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 6 Mar. 2026 The cheese blend adds a little saltiness that balances with the crispy crust and touch of sauce. Gail Ciampa, The Providence Journal, 5 Mar. 2026
Verb
The wide-leg shape keeps the fit feeling easygoing, while the high waist and support add structure that balances the silhouette. Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 13 Mar. 2026 Discussing how the play balances heavy subject matter with humor, Radcliffe said the script allows performers to shift tone quickly. Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 13 Mar. 2026 The current process, Rubel said, already balances the rights of the accused with the public’s right to know about ethics concerns. Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 13 Mar. 2026 Julio Medina, senior project manager with SILLMAN, said the project balances a beautiful facade with law enforcement’s need for security. Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026 The novel balances tonal complexity with unusual skill, using humor to sharpen rather than soften its moral intelligence. Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Mar. 2026 Grace balances a razor sharp wit with striking sincerity and absolute cool. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 11 Mar. 2026 Anchoring the space, a sleek Boffi kitchen is defined by a dramatic oval window above the sink, a signature detail that perfectly balances form and function. Mark David, Robb Report, 10 Mar. 2026 The natural tang of the bread also balances the sweetness of the dip in a way that makes this feel more like a real breakfast than a dessert. Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 10 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for balances
Noun
  • Junting works on both large and small scales with her sculptural work, though her attention to fine detail and her strikingly creative style remains consistent.
    Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 15 Mar. 2026
  • The challenge of moving massive data At such extreme scales, the biggest challenge is no longer the math itself.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 15 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • In some cases, benefit offsets (where the VA withholds part of your monthly benefit to repay a debt) can be adjusted to reduce the financial strain.
    Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 3 Mar. 2026
  • And for the environmentally conscious, Avocado is a B-Corp brand that uses renewable energy at their factories and purchases carbon offsets for shipping.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 3 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The optional wooden wrist rests will add another $99 to your pledge, but a carry bag is included.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Also, target areas where your own pet rests, such as under the deck.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • In a world that often equates growth with success, his model suggests another path.
    K. H. Koehler, USA Today, 4 Mar. 2026
  • While some might say that was a sign of progress, Roby equates it as to losing a dear friend.
    Rick Cantu, Austin American Statesman, 25 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • If Oviedo falters over the next month, the Red Sox may be forced to flip him with either Tolle or Early.
    Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 2 Mar. 2026
  • Alice never falters in her suspicions.
    Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 23 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • As of now, the job pays nothing.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026
  • YouTube, which already pays some $2 billion annually for the rights to the out-of-market NFL Sunday Ticket package, is expected to pick up all four of those windows.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 11 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Pesticides Campbell recommends keeping these items out of sight and reach of children, including off kitchen counters and bedside tables.
    Gina Lee Castro, jsonline.com, 13 Mar. 2026
  • As tipping prompts pop up everywhere — from coffee counters to convenience stores — many Americans are feeling fed up and confused about what's appropriate.
    Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 12 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Acting in a movie involves a lot of waiting around, too—as the crew repositions cameras and adjusts the lighting, among other things—and those lulls provided me with plenty of time to feel queasy with anxiety.
    Naomi Fry, New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2026
  • The model comes equipped with several intelligent driving technologies, including iATS all-terrain recognition and the iTAC intelligent torque control system, which continuously adjusts power distribution to maintain traction across different surfaces.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 14 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Balances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/balances. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.

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