as in offset
a force or influence that makes an opposing force ineffective or less effective
charitable giving is usually a good counterbalance to the self-indulgent commercialism of the Christmas season
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
as in to offset
to balance with an equal force so as to make ineffective
a hearty dinner might counterbalance missing lunch
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of counterbalance
Amos Harel, Foreign Affairs, 7 Apr. 2025
The American military presence in Asia is seen by allies as a critical counterbalance in a fractious region where China has been rapidly expanding its military might and a belligerent North Korea has been empowered by closer ties with Russia.
—Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2025
Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Apr. 2025
There is also stability despite the flux — being able to counterbalance the volatile nature of selling-club life.
—Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterbalance
Noun
Trump’s accession to the White House has removed this counterbalance.
—Amos Harel, Foreign Affairs, 7 Apr. 2025
The American military presence in Asia is seen by allies as a critical counterbalance in a fractious region where China has been rapidly expanding its military might and a belligerent North Korea has been empowered by closer ties with Russia.
—Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2025
Verb
This move is a direct response to President Trump's actions, aiming to counterbalance the trade measures.
—Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Apr. 2025
There is also stability despite the flux — being able to counterbalance the volatile nature of selling-club life.
—Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterbalance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterbalance
Noun
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Even an accounting measure preferred by the Senate Republicans, which would count the 2017 tax breaks as current policy rather than a new one requiring an offset, still comes up short for covering the full price tag of the new package, which could swell beyond $5 trillion over 10 years.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
27 Apr. 2025
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Check out these suggestions, each of which, if multiplied by others, can help subdue climate change: Choose airlines that offer carbon offset programs.—
Lea Lane,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Theodore also made a handful of nice defensive plays in the opening frame, neutralizing what looked like dangerous rush chances with strong stick checks.—
Michael Russo,
New York Times,
2 May 2025
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Here, 15 members of Forbes Coaches Council explain how to manage negative thoughts at work and neutralize their impact.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
1 May 2025
Noun
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From a pocket of the coat Heiss removed Prima’s note and her ribbon and tossed them onto the counter.—
Lillian Fishman,
New Yorker,
4 May 2025
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Both teams had a deep understanding of the other and had already seen multiple in-game adjustments and counters to keep the playoff tactical battle alive.—
Kelly Iko,
New York Times,
3 May 2025
Verb
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The mistake was caught within minutes and officials were alerted so that it could be corrected, according to a team source.—
Chris Johnston,
New York Times,
2 May 2025
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The President has said the nation is experiencing a setback that will be corrected by manufacturing jobs being created in the U.S. Biden has been publicly quiet about the incessant criticism that continues to come from his successor.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
1 May 2025
Noun
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Garcia should do better, but that would be ignoring the real story: this is a world-class save that only happens because of elite positioning, balance, and raw athleticism.—
Matt Pyzdrowski,
New York Times,
8 May 2025
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Equally important are user-friendly solutions that integrate smoothly into existing workflows, striking the right balance between security and usability.—
David Schiffer,
Forbes.com,
8 May 2025
Noun
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To clinch the alpine theme, the counterweight on the seconds hand is shaped like an eagle’s feather.—
Justin Fenner,
Robb Report,
1 Apr. 2025
-
Even then, the probability of being a counterweight to Google is small.—
Justin Gest,
Newsweek,
10 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Counterbalance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterbalance. Accessed 11 May. 2025.
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