as in offset
to balance with an equal force so as to make ineffective
a hearty dinner might counterbalance missing lunch
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Recent Examples of counterbalanced
But that is counterbalanced by some sweeter notes of ripe and dried stone and tropical fruit, along with a bit of vanilla and a hint of maple.
—
Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 23 Dec. 2025
China is cast not as an enemy but as a strategic rival whose economic power must be counterbalanced through tariffs, reindustrialization and alliances.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 5 Dec. 2025
That was counterbalanced by a crew of youngsters who fit the Right to Dream philosophy of bloodying them early and often.
—Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Nov. 2025
Obsessed anglers who lived in Key West, and whose fiction sometimes gravitates toward horses, blood sports, and male protagonists with a masculine swagger counterbalanced by a certain reflective, existentialist temperament—the similarities between the two are obvious, yet go only so far.
—Tyler Austin Harper, The Atlantic, 30 Oct. 2025
While Simmons and Frehley were known for their complex and often fraught relationship, Frehley’s unpredictable nature and distinctive laugh counterbalanced Simmons more somber, business-minded demeanor.
—Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 16 Oct. 2025
The problem of unchecked power is not nearly counterbalanced by any number of indulgences the wielder of that power deigns to bestow.
—Matthew Redmond, The Conversation, 9 Oct. 2025
Although proximity makes for easier studies, this is counterbalanced against the system’s vexing complexity.
—Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 7 Aug. 2025
Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 23 Dec. 2025
China is cast not as an enemy but as a strategic rival whose economic power must be counterbalanced through tariffs, reindustrialization and alliances.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 5 Dec. 2025
That was counterbalanced by a crew of youngsters who fit the Right to Dream philosophy of bloodying them early and often.
—Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Nov. 2025
Obsessed anglers who lived in Key West, and whose fiction sometimes gravitates toward horses, blood sports, and male protagonists with a masculine swagger counterbalanced by a certain reflective, existentialist temperament—the similarities between the two are obvious, yet go only so far.
—Tyler Austin Harper, The Atlantic, 30 Oct. 2025
While Simmons and Frehley were known for their complex and often fraught relationship, Frehley’s unpredictable nature and distinctive laugh counterbalanced Simmons more somber, business-minded demeanor.
—Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 16 Oct. 2025
The problem of unchecked power is not nearly counterbalanced by any number of indulgences the wielder of that power deigns to bestow.
—Matthew Redmond, The Conversation, 9 Oct. 2025
Although proximity makes for easier studies, this is counterbalanced against the system’s vexing complexity.
—Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 7 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterbalanced
Verb
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Both claim that new jobs and addressing the threat of being eclipsed by other nations offsets the risk of data centers damaging the environment and disrupting people’s lives.—
Orlando Sentinel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
13 Jan. 2026
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The union pushing the measure, the Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West, has estimated the wealth tax could raise $100 billion in revenue and help offset federal cuts to health spending.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Behind that highly active pass rush, the Patriots secondary largely neutralized LA’s air attack despite playing parts of the game without starting cornerbacks Carlton Davis III (second-quarter toe injury) and Christian Gonzalez (fourth-quarter head injury).—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
12 Jan. 2026
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Arnold set the tone for the second quarter with a steal-and-score in the opening seconds, and while UConn’s offense still hadn’t found its rhythm, the defensive effort neutralized any inefficiencies.—
Emily Adams,
Hartford Courant,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Powell corrected Trump in front of reporters about the cost of the project, with the tension between the two men palpable.—
Bryan Mena,
CNN Money,
12 Jan. 2026
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The full inspections show how each establishment has corrected or is working to correct any remaining violations.—
Eleanor Nash,
Kansas City Star,
10 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Counterbalanced.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterbalanced. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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