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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Unlike private debts, these types of federal debts can sometimes result in benefit offsets or other collection actions.
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Other companies offering soil carbon offsets include Denmark’s Agreena, which describes itself as the largest soil carbon program in Europe.
Verb
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Lastly, there’s rose, an anti-inflammatory that neutralizes redness and promotes an even skin tone.
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Vinegar is a powerful natural cleaner that neutralizes odors in your laundry while making your fabrics softer.
Noun
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Mobile checkout replaced traditional wrap counters.
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The cleaning products under your sink may be doing more than just scrubbing counters.
Verb
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Soon after, Hawk absentmindedly corrects Piña’s English, prompting her to air her own frustrations with their relationship.
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This story corrects the day of week.
Noun
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Debt settlement companies report reducing their clients’ enrolled balances by 40% to 50% on average.
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Repaying what's owed becomes an even greater challenge once credit card balances hit the $40,000 range, however.
Verb
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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.
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For example, their potassium content helps regulate blood pressure and counteracts the effects of sodium, thereby relaxing blood vessel walls, says Matthew Landry, PhD, RDN, DipACLM, FAND, FAHA, assistant professor of population health and disease prevention at the University of California, Irvine.
Verb
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Washington Examiner columnist Joe Concha argued that democratic socialists are winning elections because their organization’s fundraising and unity outweighs establishment Democrats.
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The off-market transaction underscores a broader reality of today’s ultra-luxury market, where control of land increasingly outweighs the ambition of what might be built upon it.
Cite this Entry
“Counterbalances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterbalances. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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