counterbalances 1 of 2

noun

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

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counterbalances

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of counterbalance
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
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
  1. offsets
  2. neutralizes
  3. counters
  4. corrects
  5. balances
  6. counteracts
  7. outweighs
Noun
  • Chinese Money Plant Chinese money plants (Pilea peperomioides) often produce offsets or baby plants, which are easy to divide and repot into their own containers.
    — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Sep. 2026
  • And this does the latter quite nicely, the classic claret and blue along with a gold trim offsets the whole thing rather well.
    — Nick Miller, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of offsets
Verb
  • Fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains stimulate saliva, which neutralizes acids and washes away food particles.
    — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Fruits, vegetables and whole grains stimulate saliva production, which neutralizes acids and washes away food particles.
    — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of neutralizes
Noun
  • Escape vertically inside your home by moving upstairs or getting on top of counters to avoid being swept away.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 11 Oct. 2026
  • The in-house self-winding chronograph movement (Caliber GP03300) drives two counters and small seconds as well as a date display.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of counters
Verb
  • This story corrects a previous version that stated the candidates who placed third, fourth and fifth gathered 6 million votes.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Surgical options — most often reconstructive surgery, which corrects the prolapse and aims to put the pelvic organs back in place — may be considered when symptoms are severe or conservative treatments do not help, according to the Mayo Clinic.
    — Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of corrects
Noun
  • These balances may need different treatment Carrying debt into retirement isn't necessarily a problem.
    — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Accounting software like QuickBooks Online can automate invoice creation, track payments and send reminders about outstanding balances.
    — Carson Brunson, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of balances
Verb
  • Winds may not be quite as strong near Sacramento in the evening as the Delta breeze counteracts some of the north winds — a peculiar setup — but could still be gusty in sudden bursts.
    — Sean Macaday, Sacbee.com, 11 Sep. 2026
  • While salicylic acid has a reputation for drying out skin, the triple ceramide complex in this cream counteracts that by drenching skin in long-lasting moisture—up to a full day—after application.
    — Mary Honkus, Glamour, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of counteracts
Verb
  • In Los Angeles, three weeks of good baseball far outweighs six months of poor performance.
    — Katie Woo, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026
  • In some projections, that extra snow outweighs the ice lost to the warming ocean, and the ice sheet actually grows.
    — Robert Kopp, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of outweighs

Browse Nearby Words

counterbalanced
counterbalances
counterbalancing
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Cite this Entry

“Counterbalances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterbalances. Accessed 13 Oct. 2026.

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