Definition of equipoisenext
1
as in equilibrium
a condition in which opposing forces are equal to one another when participating in any dangerous sport, one should maintain an equipoise between fearless boldness and commonsense caution

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in offset
a force or influence that makes an opposing force ineffective or less effective her frugality is a much-needed equipoise to her husband's spendthrift ways

Synonyms & Similar Words

equipoise

2 of 2

verb

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 equipoise
Noun
There’s been this delicate equipoise between Russia and the US for the majority of the Cold War, even though the number of weapons has come down a lot from its peak in the eighties. Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 27 June 2025 People on both sides of the issue posited that, for all the claims of equipoise, the new rules at Harvard had been introduced with the goal of containing pro-Palestinian protest. Nathan Heller, The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2025
Verb
The authors do a great job demonstrating that allowing respect for autonomy has, at a minimum, equipoise with the authoritarian approach, if not superiority, when considering a range of measures of health and happiness. WSJ, 3 Jan. 2022 See All Example Sentences for equipoise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equipoise
Noun
  • When consumer demand falls faster than production can adjust, unsold wine can sit on the balance sheet while a winery works its way back into equilibrium.
    Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Achieving such an outcome might allow the formation of a new global economic equilibrium—and more important, might prevent the next major global economic crisis.
    Michael B. G. Froman, Foreign Affairs, 13 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • In a note last week, analysts at Bank of America said Home Depot's elevated exposure to the Pro customer — relative to Lowe's — is expected to provide an offset to a weaker DIY customer.
    Zev Fima, CNBC, 16 Aug. 2026
  • In warmer, staler weather, users can open the offset fly zipper and roll one or both pieces of door fabric open to increase airflow.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 16 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Global demand has also shrunk significantly with rising prices, helping to balance the oil market and get oil to the customers who need it.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Founded by Kemmu and Nihalani, the company has positioned itself around backing stories described as authentic and character-driven, aiming to balance creative ambition with commercial appeal.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Monarch counters with senior athletes Sanje Fisher and Bryan Bynes, along with junior running back Keshawn Paschell.
    Gary Curreri, Sun Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Tokar said that figure represents money spent at places such as hotels, rental car counters and restaurants — essentially spending that trickles down beyond the airport’s boundaries.
    Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Kate Faasse equalized for the Dash in the 42nd minute after Kiki Van Zanten’s shot deflected off North Carolina goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan.
    ABC News, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Forward Agostina Holzheier entered the contest for Lema with less than 10 minutes to go as Bay FC looked to equalize.
    Staff, Mercury News, 15 Aug. 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
Verb
  • The other thing is that, rather than increasing with surface area, lift tends to drop because the sheets are more likely to equilibrate to the prevailing temperatures.
    Andrew Cunningham, ArsTechnica, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Housing would equilibrate if the city had a static population.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 14 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • To make up the difference, the school adjusted its bell schedule, including adding time to class periods.
    Conor McGill, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • One way is by adjusting the draft for vessels going through the locks.
    Hira Humayun, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Equipoise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equipoise. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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