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
Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 28 June 2025
The quiet presence of nature offers a counterbalance to digital intensity.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 12 Aug. 2025
This acts as a third anchor to counterbalance the pull of the wind.
—Francesca Krempa, Travel + Leisure, 9 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterbalance
Noun
Coyle, 33, is the right-shot center the Blue Jackets were seeking this summer, a counterbalance to the three left-handed centers — Sean Monahan, Adam Fantilli and Cole Sillinger — already in the Columbus lineup.
—Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 28 June 2025
The quiet presence of nature offers a counterbalance to digital intensity.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
Verb
The board appointed Mark Goines as lead independent director to counterbalance the new structure.
—Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 12 Aug. 2025
This acts as a third anchor to counterbalance the pull of the wind.
—Francesca Krempa, Travel + Leisure, 9 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterbalance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterbalance
Noun
-
From the industry side, properties that promote energy-saving certifications or offer carbon-offset partnerships tend to stand out in search results and get more interest.—
Christopher Elliott,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Offsetting that — and there does seem to be an offset for everything — are the dramatic cutbacks in drilling as a result of the decline in oil prices.—
Jim Cramer,
CNBC,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
That neutralized the advantage Sabalenka would have expected, and forced Sabalenka into first hitting more shots than she’s used to, and then going for too-small margins because of Pegula’s defensive skills once the rallies started.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
New York Times,
5 Sep. 2025
-
People can also receive neutralizing antibodies to fight the infection, experts advise.—
Shiv Sudhakar,
FOXNews.com,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
In the short film, Pitt walks into his picturesque kitchen and heads for the coffeemaker on his counter.—
Moná Thomas,
PEOPLE,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Local hotels offer features like roll-in showers, lower counters, and braille signage to accommodate guests with various disabilities.—
Eve Chen,
USA Today,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Under the new process, property owners will still receive a notice when a violation occurs, but if the issue is not corrected within seven days, the Parks and Recreation Department will step in to mow or clean the property, the release states.—
NWA Democrat-Gazette,
Arkansas Online,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Hamilton attempted to correct the oversteer but crashed into the barrier, severely damaging the front right section of his SF-25.—
Saajan Jogia,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
At the same time, concern is growing about how certain food additives and preservatives may disrupt the gut’s delicate balance.—
Abby Norman,
Verywell Health,
9 Sep. 2025
-
Late in the second quarter, facing second-and-10 from the Pittsburgh 35, Rodgers led receiver Calvin Austin III perfectly with one of those off-balance wrist-flick throws 14 yards past the line of scrimmage from the far hash, for a 30-yard gain.—
Mike Sando,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The 2025 College Rankings from Washington Monthly offer a corrective.—
Bruno V. Manno,
Forbes.com,
1 Sep. 2025
-
That makes Leo’s ascension well timed to offer a corrective.—
Mike Burbach,
Twin Cities,
15 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
DeSantis has long styled Florida as a counterweight to federal public health directives.—
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Sep. 2025
-
The purpose of Iran is Shiite theocracy, for its own sake and as a counterweight to democratic, secular, and Sunni governments allied with the United States in the region.—
Graeme Wood,
The Atlantic,
2 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Counterbalance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterbalance. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share