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
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Recent Examples of counterweight
For decades, Hezbollah’s arsenal had been tolerated, even tacitly condoned—shielded by the group’s political power and by its status among supporters as a counterweight to Israel.
—
Euan Ward, New Yorker, 29 May 2026
As a counterweight to the headmasterly arrogance of the NSFC, Thompson makes a fair point with a fabulous split-screen montage showing how the radical new wave of independent filmmaking coming out of America in 1970 made Ryan’s Daughter seem hopelessly antiquated.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 27 May 2026
The volcano is a useful counterweight to everything else on the island.
—Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026
That’s a sobering counterweight to the glossy brochures.
—Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 23 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for counterweight
Euan Ward, New Yorker, 29 May 2026
As a counterweight to the headmasterly arrogance of the NSFC, Thompson makes a fair point with a fabulous split-screen montage showing how the radical new wave of independent filmmaking coming out of America in 1970 made Ryan’s Daughter seem hopelessly antiquated.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 27 May 2026
The volcano is a useful counterweight to everything else on the island.
—Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026
That’s a sobering counterweight to the glossy brochures.
—Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 23 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for counterweight
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterweight
Noun
-
During Disney’s most recent quarterly report in early May, the company’s entertainment segment reported that streaming revenue offset declines in both linear affiliate fees and advertising.—
Lillian Rizzo,
CNBC,
31 May 2026
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Apply a thin crumb coat of buttercream over the entire cake to seal in crumbs, using an offset spatula to smooth it evenly.—
Kate Bradshaw,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 May 2026
Noun
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Fans are probably lining up for scones in hopes of spotting Ashley crying behind the counter.—
Tom Smyth,
Vulture,
8 June 2026
-
From Mumbai’s vada pav stalls to Berlin’s vegan döner counters, street food culture is increasingly built around — not adapted for — meat-free diets.—
Lauren Schuster,
Charlotte Observer,
8 June 2026
Noun
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While some inns might feel stuffy, this one strikes a more approachable balance, with thoughtful touches like free parking, complimentary popcorn in the rooms, and welcome drinks.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
9 June 2026
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His physical defense on Wembanyama has kept the Spurs star off balance and in relative check for most of the first two games (or at least seven of the eight quarters).—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
9 June 2026
Noun
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When volatility keeps showing up uninvited, getting paid to set your own entry on a low volatility play can serve as a nice counterbalance to slow the swings in our portfolios.—
Michael Khouw,
CNBC,
10 June 2026
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His new encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, seeks to counterbalance alarm with hope but lands firmly on one side.—
Francis X. Rocca,
The Atlantic,
25 May 2026
Noun
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Paint can also be a powerful corrective.—
Sophie Flaxman,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Mar. 2026
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These are all refreshing correctives to the texts that previously stood in for contemporary Japan internationally, including any number of small volumes about magical cafés, bookshops, or libraries, often with cats on their covers.—
Sarah Chihaya,
New Yorker,
3 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Counterweight.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterweight. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.
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