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
Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2026
In Why Democracy Needs the Rich, author John McGinnis argues that wealth, including billionaire philanthropy, is a healthy counterbalance to government.
—Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2026
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Mar. 2026
Those losses were then counterbalanced by a road victory against Butler at historic Hinkle Fieldhouse and a third straight win over NCAA Tournament shoo-in Saint Mary’s in Idaho Falls.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for counterbalance
Noun
Meanwhile, the earthy and nutty pumpernickel bread is a great counterbalance to the richness of the filling.
—Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2026
In Why Democracy Needs the Rich, author John McGinnis argues that wealth, including billionaire philanthropy, is a healthy counterbalance to government.
—Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2026
Verb
Designed by group collaborator and designer Dorothee Meilichzon, the rooms’ whimsical stylings are cleverly counterbalanced with classic details like parquet flooring, white walls and linens, and light wood.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Mar. 2026
Those losses were then counterbalanced by a road victory against Butler at historic Hinkle Fieldhouse and a third straight win over NCAA Tournament shoo-in Saint Mary’s in Idaho Falls.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for counterbalance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterbalance
Noun
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Each layer bonding process and printing offset were controlled for up to ±2 mm.—
Srishti Gupta,
Interesting Engineering,
16 May 2026
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From there, an attacker can control the file offset and the 4-byte value of each store.—
Dan Goodin,
ArsTechnica,
11 May 2026
Verb
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Vinegar or rubbing alcohol can help neutralize the sting and reduce pain and inflammation.—
Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado,
Sacbee.com,
20 May 2026
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San Diego police announced that the threat at a mosque in the Clairemont neighborhood has been neutralized.—
Dennis Romero,
NBC news,
19 May 2026
Noun
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The 30-seat Soho counter restaurant makes each roll to order, placing them directly into your palm to be eaten on the spot.—
Rachel Dube,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
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As words have incantatory power to shift elements of fate, as well as matters of the heart, this project calls forward questions around an alleged family curse from Nagasaki and the writing process as its own counter-spell.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 May 2026
Verb
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Board president Kevin Smith said the poll workers took the correct actions with the adamant voter and Thursday’s board vote corrected his attempt to vote a second time.—
Alexandra Kukulka,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2026
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That was the focus of a Supreme Court case that ultimately determined the prosecution's failure to correct Sneed's testimony violated Glossip's constitutional right to due process, granting him a new trial with an order issued in February 2025.—
Emily Mae Czachor,
CBS News,
14 May 2026
Noun
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This chic square-neck tank top strikes the perfect balance of function and style.—
Caroline Hughes,
Travel + Leisure,
20 May 2026
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The tension young workers face with AI adoption Striking that balance is important not just for career development but for cognitive ability.—
Jake Angelo,
Fortune,
19 May 2026
Noun
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Selective exposure to places like Norway, Canada, or certain Gulf Cooperation Council markets (where assets sold off on war fears) can provide a counterweight to energy-import-dependent economies.—
Jason Kirsch,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2026
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Built by the Mosler Safe Company in Ohio, the vault’s doors opened upward, activated by two massive counterweights that swung down at the press of a button.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Counterbalance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterbalance. Accessed 23 May. 2026.
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