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
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
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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Houses have been being built here since the early 1900s, and so there's different offsets.—
Ted Scouten,
CBS News,
7 Jan. 2026
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Carbon offsets in sports are also in the news, with scandals erupting around them in connection with sports from FIFA’s 2022 World Cup to basketball’s LA Clippers.—
Brian P. McCullough,
The Conversation,
10 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Instead of scattering light, this coating neutralizes reflections, making dark scenes easier to see even under direct lighting.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
5 Jan. 2026
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Its acidity effectively breaks down grease, eliminates mold, neutralizes odors, and dissolves mineral deposits.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Wipe down any small appliances (don’t forget underneath), bottles or storage containers, or decorations on your counters to remove dust or grease buildup every week.—
Lauren Wicks,
Southern Living,
6 Nov. 2025
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The defense counters that there was also a flashing light.—
Noel Murray,
Vulture,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The light blue shade counteracts purple and pink tones to cover redness and veins, while the peach shade brightens and corrects sallow-looking skin.—
Lily Wohlner,
Allure,
23 Dec. 2025
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When Linda says the gun has Mary's initials on it, Norma corrects her.—
Colleen Kratofil,
PEOPLE,
11 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Washington’s neutrality preserved the republic’s future, enabling economic expansion under the funding system Hamilton designed, territorial growth through the Louisiana Purchase and beyond, and eventual emergence as a great power capable of tipping global balances.—
Daniel Ross Goodman,
The Washington Examiner,
9 Jan. 2026
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Millions of people who sometimes pay off their balances could also face new restrictions, the group said.—
Joe Walsh,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The red counteracts the green, and the acidity helps neutralize the reaction.—
Maureen Choi,
Glamour,
25 Sep. 2025
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In combination, these strategies offer a blueprint for daily living that counteracts some of the evolutionary mismatches of modern life.—
William A. Haseltine,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The good certainly outweighs the bad, with some truly unique sets landing on shelves over the last 12 months.—
Kim Snaith,
Space.com,
31 Dec. 2025
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For many investors, the long-term citizenship pathway far outweighs any short-term hurdles.—
Ashley J. DiMella,
FOXNews.com,
30 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Counterbalances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterbalances. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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