counterbalances 1 of 2

plural of counterbalance
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

counterbalances

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of counterbalance

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 counterbalances
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
  • The article warns against complacency, noting that if these temporary offsets disappear and supply constraints persist, panic buying and momentum trading could drive prices significantly higher.
    Michael Lynch, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • But some regions use half-hour or 45-minute offsets to better align with solar time or for the sake of national identity.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 25 July 2026
Verb
  • Vinegar contains acetic acid, which cuts through grease and grime and neutralizes odors.
    Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 31 July 2026
  • Previously used on Kate Hudson, Emily Blunt, and Hilary Duff, the concealer neutralizes dark circles while providing hydration via ingredients like hyaluronic acid and squalene.
    Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026
Noun
  • However, his feet did get heavy at times, especially when attempting to quickly adjust to inside counters.
    Dane Brugler, New York Times, 30 July 2026
  • Working with patrons Anadol counters that anyone can have free access to the models his studio develops, and that there's nothing new about contemporary artists' relationships with rich and powerful benefactors.
    Chloe Veltman, NPR, 29 July 2026
Verb
  • Many travelers believe that a sling bag or crossbody can provide just as much security as a money belt, but Figgins corrects this.
    Jillian Dara, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2026
  • This report corrects the total number of dead from the 2009 fire at Bangkok's Santika nightclub to 67.
    ABC News, ABC News, 13 July 2026
Noun
  • Unpaid balances can still progress from billing reminders to collections and, in some situations, even legal action.
    Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Pulley’s latest balances macro stakes with delightful burgeoning romances and connections between unlikely allies thrown together against the unbelievable.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Evaporation is a phase change that counteracts warming temperatures and raises humidity in the air.
    Trey Fulbright, CBS News, 1 July 2026
  • Some sunscreens only exacerbate existing redness and inflammation, but EltaMD’s is not only sensitive skin-friendly, but the green tint counteracts any naturally-occurring redness in the skin.
    Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • This generally happens when an insurer thinks the risk outweighs their profit potential, Kochenburger said.
    Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 6 Aug. 2026
  • That being said, the good in this decision substantially outweighs the bad.
    Arthur L. Kellermann, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Counterbalances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterbalances. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on counterbalances

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!