1
as in equilibrium
a condition in which opposing forces are equal to one another
a musical piece with a counterpoise of loud and soft passages
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in offset
a force or influence that makes an opposing force ineffective or less effective
the happiness brought by a new baby was a timely counterpoise to the grief occasioned by a death in the family
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in to offset
to balance with an equal force so as to make ineffective
her overall healthiness largely counterpoised the virulence of the infection
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of counterpoise
Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2023
What’s most remarkable about Torruella’s film is its counterpoise between the sense of raging injustice and the island’s mystic stillness.
—Amada Torruella, The New Yorker, 27 Sep. 2023
Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2023
Conflicts of interest are objective situations that arise when a person’s financial interests can be counterpoised to their public responsibilities.
—Matthew Yglesias, Vox, 29 Nov. 2018
Noun
Molina, the embodiment of theatrical excellence, is perfectly cast as the rational counterpoise to Brady’s zealotry.
—Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2023
What’s most remarkable about Torruella’s film is its counterpoise between the sense of raging injustice and the island’s mystic stillness.
—Amada Torruella, The New Yorker, 27 Sep. 2023
Verb
Indeed, the Western, that peculiarly American contribution to the world’s store of epic and saga, often depends on the tale of a defeated Confederate at large to enforce virtue, someone whose heroic individualism is counterpoised with the superficial discipline of the federal troops.
—Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2023
Conflicts of interest are objective situations that arise when a person’s financial interests can be counterpoised to their public responsibilities.
—Matthew Yglesias, Vox, 29 Nov. 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterpoise
Noun
-
The most successful travelers on this journey into uncharted hybrid territory will be those who can curate the magic of natural and artificial intelligences intentionally, calibrating the hybrid equilibrium that is the sweet spot where their own unique potential is revealed.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
5 May 2025
-
Moral degeneration accompanies the physical; lying is one of the outstanding characteristics, probably due to lack of moral equilibrium.—
Wade Davis,
Rolling Stone,
6 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
But markets are betting that making the 2017 tax cuts permanent as well as eliminating taxes on tips and overtime, with only partial revenue offsets, will aggravate the fiscal problems.—
Jeff Cox,
CNBC,
21 May 2025
-
Those efforts and the pandemic pause significantly reduced the number of seniors facing offsets.—
Shahar Ziv,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2025
Verb
-
But given that Brendan was just carved up, Kev quickly corrects his mum.—
Matt Cabral,
EW.com,
18 May 2025
-
This story has been corrected to show that Boston and Reese got double technical fouls, not Clark and Reese.—
Michael Marot,
Baltimore Sun,
17 May 2025
Noun
-
Blue Stone counters and Thermador appliances trail the space with Sailor Blue cabinetry, too, ahead of an area that seats four by coastline views.—
Demetrius Simms,
Robb Report,
18 May 2025
-
Separate each type of flower and greenery into small vases or jars with water, then line them on the counter to create your floral bar.—
Andrea Beck,
Better Homes & Gardens,
17 May 2025
Verb
-
Odor-fighting insoles, sprays, and laces can also help absorb moisture and neutralize odors.—
Katelyn Squiers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
18 May 2025
-
The slower surface neutralizes players who rely on power serves.—
Matthew Futterman,
New York Times,
15 May 2025
Noun
-
Understanding and respecting your partner’s preferred method of recharging is essential for emotional balance within the relationship.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
-
Midrange and pro options like the Canon EOS R6 Mark II and Nikon Z 8 have larger bodies and grips for better balance with larger lenses.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
20 May 2025
Noun
-
Caught between these poles is Europe, once seen as a potential counterweight to the power of Big Tech.—
Ian Bremmer,
Foreign Affairs,
13 May 2025
-
Many Latin American governments also want to keep Beijing onside — chiefly as an economic partner, but for some also as a counterweight to U.S. power, experts said.—
Chris Buckley,
New York Times,
12 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Counterpoise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterpoise. Accessed 28 May. 2025.
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