counterweight

noun

ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌwāt How to pronounce counterweight (audio)
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

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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 counterweight The Tampa Bay Rays are providing an inconvenient counterweight to MLB owners’ framing of modern baseball. — Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 29 July 2026 Carbon fiber rods connect batteries, a controller, some counterweights, and a motor and propeller. — IEEE Spectrum, 16 July 2026 It's intended as a counterweight to Leading the Future, the pro-industry PAC backed by OpenAI president Greg Brockman, who has donated over $100 million. — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 16 July 2026 Newsom and Democratic leaders have argued that their plans are fiscally responsible and a counterweight to cuts and other policy choices pushed by the president and his administration. — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for counterweight
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterweight
  1. offset
  2. counter
  3. balance
  4. counterbalance
  5. corrective
Noun
  • Enterprise Mobility offers a sweeping sustainability program, including a carbon offset option that allows customers to purchase carbon credits from third-party partner Terrapass at the time of rental.
    — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Drizzle 1½ cups sauce over and, using an offset spatula or a spoon, spread evenly over eggplants.
    — Rachel Dolfi, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 July 2026
Definition of offset
Noun
  • These guys might do much of the unglamorous work that goes unnoticed, breaking up play, playing short passes and sliding across into position to snuff out counter-attacks, but their role is highly valued in the transfer market.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Commercial counter-drone systems Pilot deployments are planned for the second half of 2026 and early 2027.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of counter
Noun
  • Temporary federal aid, strong capital-gains years or accounting maneuvers can swell the cash balance.
    — Sheila Weinberg, Baltimore Sun, 9 Aug. 2026
  • The shop retained and restored the frame, 3D scanned it, and crafted a specialty battery to fit, keeping weight and balance in mind.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of balance
Noun
  • In past decades, the reductions in demand needed to counterbalance shortages in supply came primarily from advanced economies, which consumed the most oil.
    — Jason Bordoff, Foreign Affairs, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The Liberian-style jollof rice was seasoned to the hilt, so the fresh Abidjan salad, with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and avocado in a creamy yogurt sauce, proved an ideal counterbalance.
    — John Kessler, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of counterbalance
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

counterviews
counterweight
counterweights
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Cite this Entry

“Counterweight.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterweight. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on counterweight

Nglish: Translation of counterweight for Spanish Speakers

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