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
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
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
-
Certain federal obligations, such as unpaid federal taxes, federal student loans and some child support or alimony obligations, may result in benefit offsets or garnishment under specific circumstances.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
8 June 2026
-
Future removals, offsets, shifting baselines, and technological breakthroughs can keep many strategies plausible at once.—
London Business School,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2026
Verb
-
Sodium bicarbonate neutralizes odor molecules.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
29 May 2026
-
Its violet hue neutralizes yellow tones, making teeth appear visibly brighter.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
27 May 2026
Noun
-
The phrase is commonly used in restaurant kitchens and originated at soda counters in the 1930s, according to the dictionary.—
Melissa Quinn,
CBS News,
11 June 2026
-
This will help create a cleaner, more intentional aesthetic on your counters or open shelving, Simone explains.—
Jane Kim,
The Spruce,
11 June 2026
Verb
-
This version corrects the spelling of Monongalia County Ballpark.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
12 June 2026
-
Francisco corrects Arnold's Spanish and has conversations with him through his computer speakers.—
Stephan Bisaha,
NPR,
4 June 2026
Noun
-
South Asia remains the strongest-performing developing region, anchored by India’s robust growth, though the conflict is dragging on the broader outlook and threatening to worsen fiscal and current account balances across the region.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
12 June 2026
-
Those starting out with smaller investment limits might consider coins or small bullions, while those with higher balances to transfer might consider using a gold IRA.—
Liz Knueven,
CNBC,
12 June 2026
Verb
-
Benadryl Extra-Strength Anti-Itch Cooling Spray counteracts the burning sensation with a cooling one.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Mar. 2026
-
This serum purportedly counteracts that, working to de-age the scalp, thus thickening and strengthening strands.—
Tamim Alnuweiri,
InStyle,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Trump has repeatedly indicated that preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon outweighs concerns about rising consumer costs.—
Rena Rowe,
The Washington Examiner,
6 June 2026
-
The plethora of attacking talent PSG possesses far outweighs anything Arsenal has to offer, on paper at least.—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
30 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Counterbalances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterbalances. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
