counterbalance 1 of 2

noun

ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌba-lən(t)s How to pronounce counterbalance (audio)
Definition of counterbalancenext
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

ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈba-lən(t)s How to pronounce counterbalance (audio)
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
Unions serve as a vital counterbalance in an economy where corporate profits and executive salaries often overshadow the needs of the workforce. — Arkansas Online, 7 Sep. 2026 While Zurich—and Switzerland as a whole—are known for their high cost of living, the study highlights an important counterbalance. — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 1 Sep. 2026
Verb
Of course, drug development is high risk, with the potential for big returns counterbalanced by the products and companies that flop. — Avalon Pernell, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026 The best accessories to oyster eating are those that amplify the bivalve’s puckery, oceanic qualities rather than counterbalancing them. — Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for counterbalance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterbalance
  1. offset
  2. neutralize
  3. counter
  4. correct
  5. balance
  6. counterweight
Noun
  • To frost the cake, dollop the buttercream onto the center of the cooled cake and use a spoon or an offset spatula to spread the buttercream across the top of the cake.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Step 6 Run a small offset spatula around edges of cake to loosen, then invert out onto rack.
    — Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of offset
Verb
  • The compound also acts as a potent antioxidant, neutralizing unstable molecules that build up in non-healing wounds and cause cellular damage.
    — Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Several said this one would be nice spread on toast or mixed into baked goods to neutralize some of the sweetness.
    — Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of neutralize
Noun
  • Opening later in 2026 is an intimate omakase counter with just 12 seats.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The SoHo restaurant is best known for its open kitchen in the center of the room, with a chef’s counter surrounding it.
    — Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of counter
Verb
  • At one point during Thursday’s 45-minute open practice/scrimmage situation, KU head coach Bill Self corrected Rosario for passing instead of taking the open 3-pointer.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Researchers must develop systems that detect and correct these errors while computations continue.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of correct
Noun
  • Future retirees should consider everything from income, expenses and retirement-account balances to Social Security, health insurance and tax costs, at 65 and 67.
    — John Csiszar, Washington Post, 11 Oct. 2026
  • The goal is not to abandon one home for another, but to explore whether a balance between two industry bases is possible.
    — Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of balance
Noun
  • The letter is spearheaded by Guardrails Action, the nonprofit affiliated with Guardrails Alliance, the super PAC launched in June as a counterweight to pro-AI election groups.
    — Ashley Gold, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2026
  • In that, the vinyl panel turns the 18th-century style on its head, becoming a subversive counterweight to its typically placid, pastoral energy.
    — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of counterweight

Browse Nearby Words

counterattacks
counterbalance
counterbalanced
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Cite this Entry

“Counterbalance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterbalance. Accessed 15 Oct. 2026.

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