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
In literary translation, the term compensation refers to a moment where something lost in one part of the text is recouped elsewhere — not through direct replacement, but through a kind of interpretive counterweight.
—
Jan Steyn, The Dial, 10 Mar. 2026
In fact, some Republicans who criticized Noem advised Democrats to see Mullin as more of an ally — and even a counterweight to Miller’s influence on the White House.
—Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 10 Mar. 2026
By 2025, Iran joined the BRICS alliance — an international organization founded by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa as a counterweight to NATO expansion.
—Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 8 Mar. 2026
It was suggested that artists should stay away from politics because films are a counterweight to politics.
—Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 8 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for counterweight
Jan Steyn, The Dial, 10 Mar. 2026
In fact, some Republicans who criticized Noem advised Democrats to see Mullin as more of an ally — and even a counterweight to Miller’s influence on the White House.
—Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 10 Mar. 2026
By 2025, Iran joined the BRICS alliance — an international organization founded by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa as a counterweight to NATO expansion.
—Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 8 Mar. 2026
It was suggested that artists should stay away from politics because films are a counterweight to politics.
—Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 8 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for counterweight
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterweight
Noun
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The Booker plan also raises taxes on the wealthy as a partial offset for its costs.—
Zach Halaschak,
The Washington Examiner,
18 Mar. 2026
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Run an offset spatula or small knife around sides of cake to loosen, then turn out onto a large plate or cake stand and let cool completely.—
Inés Anguiano,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
16 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Castillo notes that billionaires have already adopted this strategy, spending millions on at least three counter-initiatives.—
Brad Hamilton,
CBS News,
24 Mar. 2026
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Most everything is accessible for wheelchairs and mobility scooters, both of which are available to borrow or rent at the ticket counter.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
24 Mar. 2026
Noun
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This tinted moisturizer Is the perfect balance of effortless and effective.—
Grace McCarty,
Glamour,
18 Mar. 2026
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More brands whose pieces previously started at 14 karats are shifting their offerings to include 10k solid gold pieces that balance maintaining the precious metal as a key selling point while offering a product at a more affordable price point.—
Andrea Bossi,
Vogue,
18 Mar. 2026
Noun
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But the audacity to make a movie with such an unlikable character, and to counter that, to cast it with someone everyone seems to like [Timothée Chalamet] as Dylan was a nice counterbalance.—
Anne Thompson,
IndieWire,
13 Mar. 2026
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Engineers have developed a simple strategy to help robots remain stable while repairing satellites in orbit by using a second robotic arm to counterbalance movements.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Mar. 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 24 Mar. 2026.
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