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
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 counterbalance
Deborah Wince-Smith, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Trump’s accession to the White House has removed this counterbalance.
—Amos Harel, Foreign Affairs, 7 Apr. 2025
Ismaeel Naar, New York Times, 3 Jan. 2025
The surcharge is seen as an effort to counterbalance the economic impact of these tariffs, which have been a point of contention in the ongoing trade dispute.
—Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterbalance
Noun
Four key areas of action are high priorities: First, promote U.S. competitiveness interests globally and counterbalance China’s geostrategy.
—Deborah Wince-Smith, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Trump’s accession to the White House has removed this counterbalance.
—Amos Harel, Foreign Affairs, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
The thaw was driven at the time by a desire for Arab unity to counterbalance Iran’s growing influence in Syria and in the wider Middle East.
—Ismaeel Naar, New York Times, 3 Jan. 2025
The surcharge is seen as an effort to counterbalance the economic impact of these tariffs, which have been a point of contention in the ongoing trade dispute.
—Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterbalance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterbalance
Noun
-
But markets are betting that making the 2017 tax cuts permanent as well as eliminating taxes on tips and overtime, with only partial revenue offsets, will aggravate the fiscal problems.—
Jeff Cox,
CNBC,
21 May 2025
-
Those efforts and the pandemic pause significantly reduced the number of seniors facing offsets.—
Shahar Ziv,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2025
Verb
-
Odor-fighting insoles, sprays, and laces can also help absorb moisture and neutralize odors.—
Katelyn Squiers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
18 May 2025
-
The slower surface neutralizes players who rely on power serves.—
Matthew Futterman,
New York Times,
15 May 2025
Noun
-
Blue Stone counters and Thermador appliances trail the space with Sailor Blue cabinetry, too, ahead of an area that seats four by coastline views.—
Demetrius Simms,
Robb Report,
18 May 2025
-
Separate each type of flower and greenery into small vases or jars with water, then line them on the counter to create your floral bar.—
Andrea Beck,
Better Homes & Gardens,
17 May 2025
Verb
-
But given that Brendan was just carved up, Kev quickly corrects his mum.—
Matt Cabral,
EW.com,
18 May 2025
-
This story has been corrected to show that Boston and Reese got double technical fouls, not Clark and Reese.—
Michael Marot,
Baltimore Sun,
17 May 2025
Noun
-
Acknowledging that value is very important at this time to customers, del Rey said that there is a balance to be found with price and making sure to bring a suite of benefits.—
Alexandra Pastore,
Footwear News,
20 May 2025
-
Executives then built portfolios of projects and identified combinations that would deliver the best balance between return and risk.—
Tim Koller,
Time,
20 May 2025
Noun
-
Caught between these poles is Europe, once seen as a potential counterweight to the power of Big Tech.—
Ian Bremmer,
Foreign Affairs,
13 May 2025
-
Many Latin American governments also want to keep Beijing onside — chiefly as an economic partner, but for some also as a counterweight to U.S. power, experts said.—
Chris Buckley,
New York Times,
12 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Counterbalance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterbalance. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share