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
  • And yet, this year, many observers have noted that the equilibrium feels off.
    Nate Jones, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2026
  • For years, software security operated on an imperfect but workable equilibrium.
    Aaron Mitchell, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Run an offset spatula or small knife around sides of pan to loosen cake.
    James Martin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026
  • And so can this actually make a meaningful difference, or is that Medicaid money that is going to be no longer going, flowing to those hospitals, is that going to make this all offset like some of those studies?
    Dana Taylor, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Rousse and athletic director Verge Ausberry may be trying to balance supporting their coach and being good SEC members.
    Seth Emerson, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Kérastase’s Densifique Bain Densité Shampoo can help, balancing a deep cleanse with density-boosting (and hydrating) ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and gluco-peptides, to plump the cuticle and reduce breakage from root-to-tip.
    Madison San Miguel, Allure, 5 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • On de la Espriella’s inauguration day, Washington pledged a $1 billion aid package to support security and counter-narcotics operations.
    Alfie Pannell, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Quartz counters round out the space, and a wooden dining table for two is installed nearby.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 9 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Lennart Karl put Bayern ahead early on before substitute Maurice Krattenmacher equalized for Elversberg in the 61st.
    ABC News, ABC News, 13 Sep. 2026
  • And as the trough of lower pressure equalizes with the rest of the atmosphere next week, temps will only warm slightly.
    Sean Macaday, Sacbee.com, 11 Sep. 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
  • The club had been away since relegation in 2018 and during that period had to adjust to fielding much more mundane talent.
    David Ornstein, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Kory Kantenga, LinkedIn’s head of economics for the Americas, told Fortune that economists typically adjust labor-market data to remove predictable seasonal swings.
    Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Equipoise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equipoise. Accessed 15 Sep. 2026.

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