as in offsets
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 neutralizes
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 counterbalances
David Goldman, CNN Money, 4 Feb. 2026
The pastel counterbalances the darker and mid-tones in the forecast.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 16 Sep. 2025
The book counterbalances the weirdo factor with multiple heartwarming Disney Adult interviews, including one with an amputee who achieved a running goal at a Disney race and another in which a woman reprioritized, choosing a church mission trip instead of financing another Disney World adventure.
—Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2025
Verb
That uncertainty and rise in unemployment tends to fuel a near-term dip in demand for goods, which counterbalances the price increases from tariffs.
—David Goldman, CNN Money, 4 Feb. 2026
The pastel counterbalances the darker and mid-tones in the forecast.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 16 Sep. 2025
The book counterbalances the weirdo factor with multiple heartwarming Disney Adult interviews, including one with an amputee who achieved a running goal at a Disney race and another in which a woman reprioritized, choosing a church mission trip instead of financing another Disney World adventure.
—Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterbalances
Noun
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In some cases, benefit offsets (where the VA withholds part of your monthly benefit to repay a debt) can be adjusted to reduce the financial strain.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
3 Mar. 2026
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And for the environmentally conscious, Avocado is a B-Corp brand that uses renewable energy at their factories and purchases carbon offsets for shipping.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Baking soda naturally neutralizes odors and absorbs any moisture.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
12 Feb. 2026
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The acidic content in vinegar breaks down mineral deposits, hard water stains, and buildup and neutralizes odors.—
Maria Sabella,
The Spruce,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The project also added ticket counters, and airport officials expect to open three new gates in late spring or early summer.—
Alex Driggars,
Austin American Statesman,
5 Mar. 2026
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Coffee spots like Pangolin Cafe fuel early trail missions; late nights steer you to craft cocktails, ramen counters, and bars with live local music.—
Ted Alvarez,
Outside,
4 Mar. 2026
Verb
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In this scenario, stripped of high-paying salaries, prime borrowers default and tank the $13 trillion residential mortgage market, unemployment spikes above 10%, the stock market corrects down 38%, and the economy collapses into a deflationary spiral.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
28 Feb. 2026
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The answer is a combination of ingredients that corrects, prevents, and protects—not to mention the affordable price point.—
Erika Reals,
InStyle,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The big benefit of this route is that debt relief companies specialize in negotiating with creditors to reduce balances and establish repayment agreements.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
6 Mar. 2026
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Median balances of $2,000 for boomers and $500 for Gen Xers, from Empower, reinforce the picture.—
Allison Palmer,
Sacbee.com,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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This serum purportedly counteracts that, working to de-age the scalp, thus thickening and strengthening strands.—
Tamim Alnuweiri,
InStyle,
6 Mar. 2026
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Fabric softener counteracts those negative charges, neutralizing them.—
Jolie Kerr,
Better Homes & Gardens,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
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But gaining access to that financial assistance isn’t easy because demand still drastically outweighs supply, despite expansion efforts.—
Morgan Lee,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Mar. 2026
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Only one remaining game outweighs Thursday’s matchup in importance — Sunday’s home matinee against the Milwaukee Bucks.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Counterbalances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterbalances. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
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