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

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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
  • The common thread Domestic records collection and foreign data-for-aid deals rest on the same faith that anonymization neutralizes the risk of pooling sensitive health data.
    Jennifer D. Oliva, The Conversation, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Vinegar contains acetic acid, which cuts through grease and grime and neutralizes odors.
    Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 31 July 2026
Noun
  • Inside the home are ebonized bamboo floors, high ceilings, a marble floor-to-ceiling fireplace, and a chef’s kitchen with Brazilian granite counters.
    The Week US, TheWeek, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Monarch counters with senior athletes Sanje Fisher and Bryan Bynes, along with junior running back Keshawn Paschell.
    Gary Curreri, Sun Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Robin doesn’t know how to use the word ‘’literally,’’ Ted corrects everyone, Lily chews too loudly, and Barney speaks in falsetto.
    Erin Strecker, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Those rules should cover what the agent can do, what requires human judgment and how the business stops or corrects an action when something goes wrong.
    Robert Kramer, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Student loan forgiveness programs haven't disappeared, but the route to having your loan balances discharged looks different now.
    Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Her interpretation of modern woodae galbi balances grilled bite-size slices from beef short ribs along a dramatic dinosaur-size bone for a potentially perilous presentation.
    Louisa Kung Liu Chu, Chicago Tribune, 18 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
  • Research indicates one in-person meeting can deliver the impact of three virtual ones, with many finding the commercial return outweighs travel costs.
    Alison Coleman, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Once a loss is perceived, loss aversion kicks in—an emotional response in which the pain of loss far outweighs the pleasure of gain.
    Adrian Gore, Time, 17 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Counterbalances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterbalances. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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