Thesaurus results for COUNTERBALANCE

counterbalance 1 of 2

noun

ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌba-lən(t)s

Definition of counterbalance

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

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

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

That said, the actress playing the diminutive vigilante — a remarkable Sneha Kumari — drums up just enough passion and intrigue to counterbalance this relatively rote unfurling. — Siddhant Adlakha, IndieWire, 21 Sep. 2026 India continues to value the stability of its relationship with Washington, particularly as a counterbalance to China’s expanding influence in Asia and beyond. — Ian Bremmer, Time, 11 Sep. 2026

Verb

Richardson discusses how his early fascination with science and his enjoyment of science fiction has influenced his poetry and considers the way his aphorisms counterbalance his more lyric poems. — Fiction Non Fiction, Literary Hub, 1 Oct. 2026 In Milan they’re paired with suits as a way to counterbalance the formality. — Alex Sales, Glamour, 27 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for counterbalance

Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterbalance

Noun

The gorgeous and tasty caramel and cream cheese frosting looks the best when applied with a small offset spatula to give it that swirly effect on the cake.

— Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2026
As an offset, the company's third quarter backlog increased 90% year over year.

— Paulina Likos, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of offset

Verb

Baking soda helps to neutralize odors, break down grime, and enhance the effectiveness of your detergent.

— Anyssa Roberts, The Spruce, 28 Oct. 2026
Unlike existing treatments that primarily neutralize IgE circulating in the bloodstream, the company aims to detach IgE from immune cells.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of neutralize

Noun

Guests who think an occasional bottle of wine flung on the counter has rendered this custom obsolete should note that any sensible hostess will disagree.

— Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026
After a long study of multiple clips, Williams urged Miller to his feet, balancing the laptop in the palm of one hand while demonstrating where the forward should place his hands at each stage of an offensive player’s drive and counter.

— Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of counter

Verb

Designed to correct the signs of photoaging—which can include wrinkles, dark spots, and rough texture—the formula boosts cell turnover has a cushiony texture and a silky finish.

— Jenny Berg, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2026
That can mean delivering a consistent product, honoring commitments, correcting mistakes or simply showing up year after year.

— Jerry Bobb, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of correct

Noun

But cancer, a spinal issue, and three surgeries in three years changed my body and my sense of balance.

— Maribeth Romslo, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2026
Antarctica Silversea’s first ship reimagined for polar pursuits, Silver Cloud strikes a commendable balance between expedition thrills and luxury amenities.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Oct. 2026

Definition of balance

Noun

Lula’s victory strengthens Brazil’s role as a counterweight to Washington, but both governments have reasons to cooperate on trade, security and Brazil’s vast critical-mineral reserves.

— Isabel Debre, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
OpenAI was founded in 2015 partly as a counterweight to the concentration of AI research at companies like Google.

— Jordan Novet, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of counterweight

Browse Nearby Words

counterattacks

counterbalance

counterbalanced

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Counterbalance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterbalance. Accessed 4 Nov. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of counterbalance

noun

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

fulsome

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Old-Timey Vehicles

Ten More Words from Taylor Swift Songs

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes