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
Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 10 Dec. 2025
Its fiery kick is a nice counterbalance to the bitter notes of the dark chocolate in the ganache base.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 1 Dec. 2025
Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 23 Dec. 2025
India’s first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, welcomed help from the United States, which hoped that a democratic India might counterbalance communism in Asia.
—Tanvi Madan, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterbalance
Noun
There is definitely a healthy dose of oak on the palate, but the slightly bitter notes that provides are a nice counterbalance to the other sweeter and spicier flavors, like vanilla, maple cinnamon, black pepper, cherry, and roasted espresso beans.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 10 Dec. 2025
Its fiery kick is a nice counterbalance to the bitter notes of the dark chocolate in the ganache base.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 1 Dec. 2025
Verb
But that is counterbalanced by some sweeter notes of ripe and dried stone and tropical fruit, along with a bit of vanilla and a hint of maple.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 23 Dec. 2025
India’s first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, welcomed help from the United States, which hoped that a democratic India might counterbalance communism in Asia.
—Tanvi Madan, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterbalance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterbalance
Noun
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Houses have been being built here since the early 1900s, and so there's different offsets.—
Ted Scouten,
CBS News,
7 Jan. 2026
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Top with half of the Nutella, swirling it into the batter with a small offset spatula or a butter knife.—
Midwest Living,
Midwest Living,
31 Dec. 2025
Verb
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The Israel Defense Forces conducted approximately 80 brigade-level counterterrorism operations over the past year in the West Bank — known to Israelis as Judea and Samaria — neutralizing hundreds of terrorists and seizing more than 1,300 weapons, according to data released by the military.—
Amelie Botbol,
FOXNews.com,
27 Jan. 2026
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For instance, in soils that have more than 20% organic matter, like those found in parts of Florida and other agricultural regions, the tests’ acids may be partially neutralized by other compounds in the soil.—
Dinesh Phuyal,
The Conversation,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Soda drinkers have been experimenting with mash-ups for decades — ever since fast-food restaurants moved soda machines out from behind the counter and gave customers free rein to mix their own drinks, Tofel said.—
Brittany Anas,
Denver Post,
27 Jan. 2026
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Once a counter-puncher, Svitolina plays a more aggressive style since returning from maternity leave.—
Merlisa Lawrence Corbett,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Without correcting for these relativistic effects, navigation errors would quickly accumulate, rendering GPS unreliable.—
Sharmila Kuthunur,
Space.com,
29 Jan. 2026
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Players will now have the ability to correct mistakes by rewinding, as well as the option to save their progress.—
Payton Turkeltaub,
Variety,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Unlike earlier models limited to upper-body tasks, Helix 02 uses a single neural network to control walking, manipulation, and balance together, directly from raw sensor data.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
28 Jan. 2026
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Dickerson and Stephens are both current on their car loans and working with National Debt Relief to reduce their credit card balances.—
Chris Isidore,
CNN Money,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Next week’s inaugural critical minerals summit in Washington marks the White House’s latest attempt to build a counterweight to China’s dominance of African mineral supply chains.—
Yinka Adegoke,
semafor.com,
28 Jan. 2026
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The rear cabin acts as a mobile counterweight and traction reserve.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
26 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Counterbalance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterbalance. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
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