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
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
-
Thanks to such voodoo carbon accounting, sellers of forest carbon offsets elsewhere are having to refund buyers due to unmet growth projections.—
John P. O’Brien,
Mercury News,
13 Sep. 2025
-
Simply pinch off any offset or irregular branches with your fingers or garden snips so that the plant has a more rounded appearance.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
13 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The gun lobby uses this window of opportunity to step in and neutralize legislative action before sustained pressure builds.—
John J. Donohue,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
-
This represents asymmetric warfare for the digital age, where a relatively small number of hackers can potentially neutralize the world’s most advanced economy by weaponizing its own digital infrastructure.—
Bob Ackerman,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Given City’s soft centre has come from a failure to cope with counter-attacks and a lack of pace to defend in a high line, Khusanov may just be the blunt force antidote Guardiola needs.—
Jordan Campbell,
New York Times,
15 Sep. 2025
-
An available 138-L compressor drawer fridge with 12-L freezer takes up the bulk of the under-counter foundation, providing loads of space for perishables.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The Denver Post will update the story as quickly as possible to correct any errors.—
The Denver Post,
Denver Post,
10 Sep. 2025
-
The Angels have worked to correct the technique.—
Jeff Fletcher,
Oc Register,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Nonetheless, with policy in restrictive territory, the baseline outlook and the shifting balance of risks may warrant adjusting our policy stance.—
Adeola Adeosun
Robert Birsel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Sep. 2025
-
The result is a fragrance that strikes the right balance between clean and confectionery, with a softness that’s like being wrapped in a cashmere blanket.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
16 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
-
America cultivated India both as a counterweight to China and in recognition of the country’s growing economic heft.—
Vaibhav Vats,
The Atlantic,
10 Sep. 2025
-
DeSantis has long styled the Sunshine State as a counterweight to federal public health directives.—
Hollie Silverman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Counterbalance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterbalance. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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