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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 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
  1. offset
  2. counter
  3. balance
  4. counterbalance
  5. corrective
Noun
  • Step 6 Run a small offset spatula around edges of cake to loosen, then invert out onto rack.
    — Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Chinese Money Plant Chinese money plants (Pilea peperomioides) often produce offsets or baby plants, which are easy to divide and repot into their own containers.
    — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Sep. 2026
Definition of offset
Noun
  • Long is on Zoom, from her home in Los Angeles and seated at her kitchen counter with the sliding doors behind her, where a custodian is cleaning the deck that coyotes keep fouling.
    — Clayton Davis, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026
  • The location also includes a bakery, hot food and salad bars, meat and seafood counters and a specialty cheese department.
    — Cecilio Padilla, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of counter
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
Definition of balance
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
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 20 Sep. 2026.

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