counterbalance 1 of 2

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

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counterbalance

2 of 2

verb

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
Noun
After all, that counterbalance was central to the dreams of the founders. Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2025 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
Verb
Leading talent, like Johansson, have important voices and critical leverage to counterbalance the influence of the biggest tech platforms. Dan Neely, Deadline, 18 Feb. 2025 The United States and its allies still have a chance to counterbalance China’s and Russia’s expanding influence over the nuclear energy sector. Juzel Lloyd, Foreign Affairs, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for counterbalance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterbalance
Noun
  • The 15% offset is calculated from your total benefit amount before any deductions, such as your Medicare premium, Kantrowitz said.
    Annie Nova, CNBC, 1 June 2025
  • The Joint Committee on Taxation, the official revenue scorer for Congress, estimates the tax components will add $3.7 trillion to the deficit over the next decade after offsets are calculated.
    Elizabeth Crisp, The Hill, 25 May 2025
Verb
  • Ukraine's air force said Russia launched 85 drones and one missile into the country overnight, of which 49 drones were shot down or otherwise neutralized.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 11 June 2025
  • Frederiksen has a broader support base than many as a Social Democrat whose tough immigration policies have helped neutralize support for the far-right.
    Matthew Tostevin, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 June 2025
Noun
  • This watch has a brown leather strap with off-white stitching and a striking green matte finish dial, complemented by a seconds’ counter at the 9 o’clock position and a red hand.
    Laia Farran Graves, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • These space-saving magnetic racks can be attached to your fridge to keep your counter free of clutter.
    Nora Colomer may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 7 June 2025
Verb
  • That misunderstanding was corrected in short order and chalked up to a learning experience.
    Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 8 June 2025
  • Most violations were corrected during the inspection.
    Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • That balance of old and young spirits yields a palate that leads with sweet vanilla and cherry notes and ends with baking spice and ripe apple, a must try for Japanese-whisky fans.
    Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 13 June 2025
  • After Appeals Court Pauses Ruling While the bolster gives support and balance to the knife, the lightness of the bolster-free Japanese knives offers ergonomic benefits.
    Akiko Katayama, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
Noun
  • In all, the news formed a sobering and immediate counterweight to investors’ hopes of just hours ago.
    Catherine Baab, Quartz, 29 May 2025
  • Her footwear — pointed-toe suede stilettos — offered a matte counterweight to the dress’s high-shine finish, maintaining the overall monochrome palette while introducing a subtle shift in texture.
    Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 24 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Counterbalance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterbalance. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

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