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
-
This automatically measures the distance between the edges of the folding panels, uses sensors to detect offsets and recalibrates the brightness of adjacent LEDs to hide the tiny slot.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
13 June 2026
-
The traditional approach to ESG reporting tended to involve buying carbon offsets in bulk, taking a supplier's ethical sourcing spreadsheet at face value, or reviewing documentation months after the activity in question had already happened.—
Sean Stein Smith,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2026
Verb
-
Vinegar is a powerful natural cleaner that neutralizes odors in your laundry while making your fabrics softer.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
14 June 2026
-
Sodium bicarbonate neutralizes odor molecules.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
These tiers can help display more petite refreshments, adding depth to your tablescape or saving space on your tables and counters.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
19 June 2026
-
Why scent is trending right now Social media did what perfume counters could not.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Kansas City Star,
18 June 2026
Verb
-
This story corrects the day of week.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
18 June 2026
-
This version corrects the spelling of Monongalia County Ballpark.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
12 June 2026
Noun
-
The stock market's near record highs, swelling 401(k)s and other retirement account balances.—
Medora Lee,
USA Today,
20 June 2026
-
Noticing balances thinking without replacing it.—
Bryan Robinson,
Forbes.com,
19 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
-
Despite the inherent danger of skydiving, enthusiasts said their love of the jump outweighs any fears.—
Selina Guevara,
NBC news,
15 June 2026
-
The exponential return on our positively performing company outweighs the losers.—
Bill Stone,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Counterbalances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterbalances. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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