counterbalancing 1 of 2

adjective

as in beneficial

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counterbalancing

2 of 2

verb

present participle of counterbalance
as in offsetting
to balance with an equal force so as to make ineffective a hearty dinner might counterbalance missing lunch

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 counterbalancing
Adjective
Boston Dynamics' Handle is an all-electric robot featuring a leg-wheel hybrid mobility system, a manipulator arm with a vacuum gripper, and a counterbalancing tail. — IEEE Spectrum, 11 Dec. 2020
Verb
But on the back of the hot economy, the on-the-ground reality is rents in New York have grown significantly since the pandemic, more than counterbalancing the 2022-2023 increases in interest rates and thus mortgage payments. — Remy Raisner, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026 The best accessories to oyster eating are those that amplify the bivalve’s puckery, oceanic qualities rather than counterbalancing them. — Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 23 Aug. 2026 Given the disparity in economic resources between Iran on one side of the Persian Gulf, and Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar on the other side, a counterbalancing bloc would hold the stronger hand over time. — Hamidreza Azizi, Time, 30 July 2026 This usually centers on the likes of Jefferson and his local, agrarian ideal; James Madison and his counterbalancing factions; Alexander Hamilton and his distrust of the common people. — Jesse Wegman, The Atlantic, 20 June 2026 And then the relationship with Andi is so counterbalancing in a really delightful way. — Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026 Meta is counterbalancing infrastructure expansions with head count reductions. — Jordan Novet, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2026 Running this way required Emily to adjust her stride constantly, counterbalancing Justin’s movements while maintaining her own footing. — Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 27 Jan. 2026 Fast casual concepts are counterbalancing this by emphasizing quality messaging, enhanced digital experiences, and product customization. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 13 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterbalancing
  1. beneficial
  2. offsetting
  3. counteractive
  4. neutralizing
  5. antidotal
  6. correcting
  7. salutary
  8. helpful
Adjective
  • Unlike tobacco, a static product with no real defensible qualities outside of recreation, consumer technology is ever evolving, and the lines between harmfully addictive and beneficial to society can be extremely blurry.
    — Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Also, ants are a beneficial insect and may not even be harming your plants.
    — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of beneficial
Verb
  • The state budget, passed this summer, seeks to stabilize revenue by preventing corporations from offsetting more than $5 million in tax liability annually for the next three years.
    — Katie Campione, Deadline, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Because probiotics add beneficial bacteria to the gut, taking probiotic supplements while on antibiotics has become a popular strategy for offsetting bacterial loss and keeping the gut microbiome balanced.
    — Kaitlin Vogel, HEALTH, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of offsetting
Adjective
  • Advertisers were eager to spend on sports, tentpole events on broadcast TV, and, in a counteractive maneuver, NBCUniversal’s Bravo.
    — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 14 July 2026
  • Ideological skirmishes over the motives and obligations of Carpenter’s music include both sincere interrogation of its feminism and smirking counteractive reprisals to that scrutiny.
    — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2025
Definition of counteractive
Verb
  • Ukraine and Iran have both demonstrated how to adapt cheaper technologies for both offensive and defensive purposes, neutralizing their opponents’ advantage in vastly more expensive high-tech systems.
    — Mark Leonard, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026
  • When moving in an inert, neutralizing background, a gas of electrons tend to crystallize at low densities as their potential energy is more dominant than their kinetic energy.
    — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of neutralizing
Adjective
  • But methanol is more lethal, say the article authors, and methanol poisoning often requires antidotal therapy as well as supporting therapy and critical care.
    — Claire Gillespie, Health.com, 23 June 2020
  • Ortiz recommended people in areas where the epidemic is centered should be carrying the antidotal substance Narcan or naloxone.
    — Fox News, Fox News, 4 Oct. 2019
Definition of antidotal
Verb
  • An important demonstration of this principle was provided by Google's Willow processor, which demonstrated that error rates could decrease as the number of physical qubits participating in an error-correcting code increased.
    — Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026
  • No deleting, rereading, correcting grammar, or performing intelligence.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of correcting
Adjective
  • But the chemical composition of Shingrix might explain its salutary effects on dementia and heart disease, if borne out by randomized clinical trials designed to generate stronger evidence of cause and effect.
    — Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Just being in a room with her family was salutary; the kids could read to her instead of the other way around.
    — Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of salutary
Adjective
  • Squeeze bottles are also helpful for storing and dispensing homemade condiments (think spicy mayo) or syrups for coffee or cocktails.
    — Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Starter Davis Martin said the veterans who have been in past playoff pushes have been helpful.
    — LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of helpful

Browse Nearby Words

counterbalances
counterbalancing
counterblockade
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Cite this Entry

“Counterbalancing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterbalancing. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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