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
Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 13 June 2025
Go in knowing what feels conversationally off-limits to you, and work on cultivating other friendships that align with your values as a counterbalance.
—R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2025
Amir Daftari
john Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 June 2025
But downtown residences have yet to counterbalance for the loss of office workers.
—Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 1 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterbalance
Noun
The higher fat content is a nice counterbalance to the richness of the tea and spices, but also lends the drink a better, less watery consistency.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 13 June 2025
Go in knowing what feels conversationally off-limits to you, and work on cultivating other friendships that align with your values as a counterbalance.
—R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
Many nations—particularly in Asia and Oceania—are turning to Western suppliers instead, with India, Japan, Australia, and South Korea leaning heavily on U.S. sources to counterbalance Beijing's military rise.
—Amir Daftari
john Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 June 2025
But downtown residences have yet to counterbalance for the loss of office workers.
—Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 1 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterbalance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterbalance
Noun
-
While higher oil prices are a significant drag on many sectors within the US economy, the profits from US oil production provide a positive offset.—
Bill Stone,
Forbes.com,
22 June 2025
-
Carbon offsets, electric vehicles, and glossy net-zero pledges are held up as solutions, while the core logic—produce more, ship further, grow faster—goes unchallenged.—
Nathalie Kelley,
Time,
17 June 2025
Verb
-
The military said the battalion uses real-time detection and jamming tools to neutralize aerial threats, adding a critical layer to Israel's multi-tiered air defense network.—
Amanda Castro
Hannah Parry
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 June 2025
-
Take steps to prevent dry mouth Saliva plays an essential role in neutralizing acids and protecting tooth enamel, but dry mouth affects nearly six in 10 older adults, according to AARP.—
Reem Amro,
FOXNews.com,
22 June 2025
Noun
-
Trowbridge's is a charming blast from the past, from the vinyl counter seats to the old-fashioned milkshakes, to the homemade chili and chicken and dumplings.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
5 July 2025
-
Boxes of 45s, some with protective sleeves and many without, line the floor near the counter where Doug Snyder sits on the left side of the store.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
5 July 2025
Verb
-
Rework alone—correcting things that have simply been done wrong—accounts for 12% of the cost of projects, on average.—
Kathleen Kewley,
Forbes.com,
4 July 2025
-
While some corrected her that the event is next week on July 13th, many others took it as a tease that she will be involved in the show.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 July 2025
Noun
-
Flexibility and work-life balance without the loss of structure and collaboration.—
Maria Ross,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2025
-
Charles Schwab Learn More Minimum deposit and balance Minimum deposit and balance requirements may vary depending on the investment vehicle selected.—
Andreina Rodriguez,
CNBC,
25 June 2025
Noun
-
But his stance has upended U.S. policy in South Asia, which had favored India as a counterweight to China, and put in question previously close relations between Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.—
Reuters,
NBC news,
21 June 2025
-
America must serve as a counterweight to China’s critical minerals deals in the region, but can’t fully do so until the region is more stable.—
Paul Tilsley,
FOXNews.com,
18 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Counterbalance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterbalance. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share