Definition of counterweightnext
as in offset
a force or influence that makes an opposing force ineffective or less effective hard work can often be a counterweight to modest intelligence

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 counterweight 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 When the counterweight drops, its momentum raises the other end of the seesaw, tossing the sling up in a big arc. ArsTechnica, 17 Aug. 2026 The new cohort of LatAm petrostates is emerging as an OPEC counterweight the US can’t afford to neglect, especially since its barrels don’t have to move through any dangerous straits. Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for counterweight
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterweight
Noun
  • Run an offset spatula or small knife around sides of pan to loosen cake.
    James Martin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026
  • And so can this actually make a meaningful difference, or is that Medicaid money that is going to be no longer going, flowing to those hospitals, is that going to make this all offset like some of those studies?
    Dana Taylor, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • On de la Espriella’s inauguration day, Washington pledged a $1 billion aid package to support security and counter-narcotics operations.
    Alfie Pannell, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Quartz counters round out the space, and a wooden dining table for two is installed nearby.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 9 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • America’s illusion of security under the wing of the military-industrial complex may be reinforced, but the true scales of justice remain off balance and unaccounted for.
    Andy Andersen, Vulture, 6 Sep. 2026
  • The Garmin Vivoactive 5 balances comprehensive sports tracking with everyday health coaching in a lightweight aluminum bezel design.
    Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 6 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • India continues to value the stability of its relationship with Washington, particularly as a counterbalance to China’s expanding influence in Asia and beyond.
    Ian Bremmer, Time, 11 Sep. 2026
  • This is a lower-risk financial that provides a nice counterbalance to Capital One.
    Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2026
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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Counterweight.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterweight. Accessed 13 Sep. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster