Synonyms of counterpoise

counterpoise 1 of 2

noun

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

• equilibrium
• balance
• equilibration
• poise
• stasis
• equipoise
• offset
• counterbalance
• stability
• steadiness
• security
• firmness
• fixedness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• imbalance
• unbalance
• disequilibrium
• nonequilibrium
• instability
• fluctuation
• volatility
• insecurity
• precariousness
• disequilibration
• mutability
• unsteadiness
• inconstancy
• changeability
• shakiness

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

• offset
• counter
• balance
• counterweight
• corrective
• counterbalance
• counterforce
• equipoise
• counteraction
• neutralizer
• ballast
• canceler
• trade-off
• weight

counterpoise

2 of 2

verb

ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌpȯiz 

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

• offset
• correct
• neutralize
• counterbalance
• outweigh
• compensate (for)
• counteract
• make up (for)
• cancel (out)
• relieve
• annul
• remedy
• negative
• nullify
• invalidate
• redeem
• redress
• atone (for)
• negate
• neuter
• outbalance
• overrule
• override

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of counterpoise

Noun

That’s more than just a defeat; that is institutional counterpoise against the attempt by the president to corrupt institutions. — David Frum, The Atlantic, 18 Feb. 2026

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