counterpoise 1 of 2

noun

Definition of counterpoisenext
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

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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

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counterpoise

2 of 2

verb

ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌpȯiz How to pronounce counterpoise (audio)
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

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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 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
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
  1. equilibrium
  2. offset
  3. correct
  4. counter
  5. neutralize
  6. balance
  7. counterweight
  8. corrective
Noun
  • When consumer demand falls faster than production can adjust, unsold wine can sit on the balance sheet while a winery works its way back into equilibrium.
    — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Achieving such an outcome might allow the formation of a new global economic equilibrium—and more important, might prevent the next major global economic crisis.
    — Michael B. G. Froman, Foreign Affairs, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of equilibrium
Noun
  • In a note last week, analysts at Bank of America said Home Depot's elevated exposure to the Pro customer — relative to Lowe's — is expected to provide an offset to a weaker DIY customer.
    — Zev Fima, CNBC, 16 Aug. 2026
  • In warmer, staler weather, users can open the offset fly zipper and roll one or both pieces of door fabric open to increase airflow.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of offset
Verb
  • In July, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health also cited Lineage for rodent and pest-control violations, fining the company $500 per day until the violations were corrected.
    — Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Jesus’ teachings and healing works confirm that negative suggestions can be corrected, not by trying not to think about them, but by turning our attention to and replacing them with God’s thoughts.
    — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of correct
Noun
  • Monarch counters with senior athletes Sanje Fisher and Bryan Bynes, along with junior running back Keshawn Paschell.
    — Gary Curreri, Sun Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Tokar said that figure represents money spent at places such as hotels, rental car counters and restaurants — essentially spending that trickles down beyond the airport’s boundaries.
    — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of counter
Verb
  • Air defense forces and electronic warfare units shot down and neutralized 187 drones over the Moscow region, according to its governor, Andrey Vorobiev.
    — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Kash says they are packed with antioxidants such as polyphenols and flavonoids to neutralize free radicals that cause stress and inflammation and help with boosting your immune system overall.
    — Marie Bladt, Vogue, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of neutralize
Noun
  • Since their inception, these wines have tasted as if something were missing beyond just alcohol—aroma, flavor, body, and balance were absent as well.
    — Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Growing dividends provide an ongoing reminder that the portfolio is not merely a balance on a statement, but ownership in businesses capable of sending cash back to their owners.
    — Steve Booren, Denver Post, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of balance
Noun
  • In other words, emotion, empathy and irrationality could be seen as some of the most powerful counterweights to AI.
    — Billy J. Stratton, The Conversation, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Ornelas and some of her colleagues have recently created the Health and Power Organizing Project, a coalition of academics and advocates to provide a counterweight to political headwinds.
    — Anil Oza, STAT, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of counterweight
Noun
  • State Board of Education member Brandon Hall, a pastor from Weatherford who voted for the mandate, framed the changes as a corrective.
    — Rachel Royster. Produced with AI assistance, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 July 2026
  • Officials argue that graduate debt accounts for more than one-third of the federal student loan portfolio, making tightening limits a necessary fiscal corrective.
    — David S. Shapiro, STAT, 30 June 2026
Definition of corrective

Browse Nearby Words

counterpoints
counterpoise
counterpoised
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Cite this Entry

“Counterpoise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterpoise. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on counterpoise

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about counterpoise

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