Synonyms of counterbalance

counterbalance 1 of 2

noun

ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌba-lən(t)s 

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

• offset
• counter
• balance
• counterweight
• corrective
• counterforce
• counteraction
• counterpoise
• neutralizer
• equipoise
• ballast
• canceler
• trade-off
• weight

counterbalance

2 of 2

verb

ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈba-lən(t)s 

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

• offset
• neutralize
• correct
• counteract
• outweigh
• cancel (out)
• compensate (for)
• relieve
• make up (for)
• counterpoise
• annul
• negative
• remedy
• nullify
• invalidate
• negate
• redeem
• redress
• atone (for)
• outbalance
• neuter
• overrule
• override

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of counterbalance

Noun

His new encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, seeks to counterbalance alarm with hope but lands firmly on one side. — Francis X. Rocca, The Atlantic, 25 May 2026

Driving and purchasing a new car can be stressful, and scent can be a powerful counterbalance. — Beth Livesay, AJC.com, 8 May 2026

Verb

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

This spring, the Florida Legislature granted public school districts a less than 1% increase in funding for the upcoming year, which isn’t enough to counterbalance rising costs, Vazquez said. — Steven Walker, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 June 2026