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
  • 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
Verb
  • In addition to hydrogen peroxide, these strips contain xylitol, which boosts saliva flow and neutralizes the acids in your mouth that can break down your enamel.
    Sara Coughlin, Allure, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Glutathione is an antioxidant made primarily in the liver that neutralizes other unstable molecules that attack the body and cause cellular damage.
    ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The contemporary home includes high ceilings, hardwood floors, a kitchen with stone counters, a bedroom with a walk-in closet, and in-unit laundry.
    The Week US, TheWeek, 21 Sep. 2026
  • The location also includes a bakery, hot food and salad bars, meat and seafood counters and a specialty cheese department.
    Cecilio Padilla, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • This story corrects the sequence of Dodgers home runs in the second paragraph to show Will Smith hit their fourth homer of the eighth inning.
    ABC News, ABC News, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Angelyne corrects my attempt to identify Hennig as her artistic director.
    Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 11 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Reserve requirement ratios were reduced to zero in 2020, but banks continue to hold reserve balances to manage liquidity, meet payment obligations and satisfy regulatory requirements.
    David McMillin, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2026
  • This can lead to panic, squeezes and, in the worst-case scenarios, negative short-seller account balances—a major setback.
    David Capablanca, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2026
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
Verb
  • The project unfolds amid court orders to add thousands of units on the 388-acre campus, sharpening questions over whether preserving historic buildings outweighs creating far more veteran housing.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • But the positive effect of it way, way outweighs any negatives.
    Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Counterbalances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterbalances. Accessed 21 Sep. 2026.

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