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
-
The deceleration in hiring, uptick in corporate layoffs, still-weak consumer confidence, struggling housing market are all partial offsets to the thriving corporate and capex sector.—
Michael Santoli,
CNBC,
29 Oct. 2025
-
When the probes combine multiple views or colors to create a single image, tiny color offsets — caused by seconds-long delays between camera channels — sometimes appear, and are normally dismissed as image noise.—
Sharmila Kuthunur,
Space.com,
8 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
While most scented soaps do a mediocre job of masking food smells with harsh, cheap fragrances, Naomi’s scrub neutralizes offending odors with bread-yeast enzymes, then leaves behind subtle, but incredibly luxurious notes of bergamot, black pepper, sandalwood, and ginger.—
Editors of Bon Appétit,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
29 Oct. 2025
-
His studio team appreciates how subtle soft pink/white crystal lighting neutralizes the green of the glass.—
Natasha Gural,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
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
-
The defense counters that there was also a flashing light.—
Noel Murray,
Vulture,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Since 2013, Romana has specialized in advanced restorative and cosmetic dentistry that corrects or restores or enhances smiles.—
Shawn Price,
Oc Register,
19 Sep. 2025
-
Which is why receiving feedback, especially the kind that calls us out or corrects us, can be so difficult.—
Susanne Biro,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Inside, the design balances warmth and innovation.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
4 Nov. 2025
-
About 5 million people use Propel's app to check their SNAP balances, and get coupons and discounts on groceries.—
Maria Aspan,
NPR,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The red counteracts the green, and the acidity helps neutralize the reaction.—
Maureen Choi,
Glamour,
25 Sep. 2025
-
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
-
Cook said the risk of further weakness in the labor market outweighs the risk of rising inflation.—
,
CNBC,
4 Nov. 2025
-
But global need far outweighs that support.—
NPR,
NPR,
30 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Counterbalances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterbalances. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.
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