as in cargoes
heavy material (such as rocks or water) that is put on a ship to make it steady or on a balloon to control its height in the air
—often used figuratively
A large amount of ballast kept the boat from capsizing. She provided the ballast the family needed in times of stress.
Related Words
Relevance
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 ballasts
Other items from the ship, including the ballasts that served as counterweights for the human cargo, are remaining on display and will be returned to South Africa in two years.
—
Arkansas Online, 13 Mar. 2026
Other items from the ship, including the ballasts that served as counterweights for the human cargo, are remaining on display and will be returned to South Africa in two years.
—ABC News, 12 Mar. 2026
Have bricks or river rocks concealed out of sight and ready to use as ballasts to hold the cloth in place against winds.
—Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Jan. 2026
Cheaper options or knock-offs tend to come with flimsy sockets, buzzing ballasts, or unreliable switches, which can make rooms look cheap or dated far sooner than expected and even create fire hazards.
—Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2025
Arkansas Online, 13 Mar. 2026
Other items from the ship, including the ballasts that served as counterweights for the human cargo, are remaining on display and will be returned to South Africa in two years.
—ABC News, 12 Mar. 2026
Have bricks or river rocks concealed out of sight and ready to use as ballasts to hold the cloth in place against winds.
—Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Jan. 2026
Cheaper options or knock-offs tend to come with flimsy sockets, buzzing ballasts, or unreliable switches, which can make rooms look cheap or dated far sooner than expected and even create fire hazards.
—Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ballasts
Noun
-
The refinery, one of China’s largest independent facilities, has received Iranian oil cargoes from sanctioned shadow fleet vessels since at least 2023.—
Brittany Miller,
FOXNews.com,
24 Apr. 2026
-
The reduced movement underscores just how quickly hopes unraveled that cargoes could once again resume.—
Prejula Prem,
Bloomberg,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Engineers can simulate movements, loads, and environmental conditions before real deployment.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
29 Apr. 2026
-
However, there are moments of reprieve between loads of clothes, sheets, and towels.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The attack happened just as Ust-Luga resumed crude loadings over weekend after days of disruptions amid attacks in the region.—
Bloomberg News,
Bloomberg,
7 Apr. 2026
-
Across multiple designs and operating conditions, CNTF heaters consistently achieved higher specific power loadings than comparable metal-alloy elements.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The problems have delayed the launch of several payloads for the US Space Force.—
Eric Berger,
ArsTechnica,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Both variants of the vessel are designed for long endurance missions of up to 8,000 nautical miles (about 9,200 miles or 14,800 km) and can carry payloads of up to 55,000 pounds (25 metric tons).—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Wellness The gym, which is a little over 1,200 square feet, is located on the top floor, almost touching the Madrid sky, and includes stationary bikes, treadmills, stair climbers, rowing machines, as well as strength equipment, weights, saunas, and changing rooms.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Just to get my heartbeat (up) and get on the treadmill, do a bit of running and weights.—
Kim Willis,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
These tools are centered on navigating the complexities of Western healthcare systems, understanding the value of alternative therapies, and managing emotional, financial, and administrative burdens while holding on to hope.—
Daniel Fusch,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Connecticut still owes more than $33 billion in unfunded pension obligations, one of the highest per-capita burdens in the nation.—
Keith M. Phaneuf,
Hartford Courant,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
In the past two drafts, Ohio State has had 25 players picked, tied for the most in a two-year span.—
Cameron Teague Robinson,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
After a Mass Save energy assessment, her home was insulated, drafts sealed, and her heating system upgraded.—
Ed Gaskin,
Boston Herald,
26 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ballasts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ballasts. Accessed 30 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
