1
as in equilibrium
a condition in which opposing forces are equal to one another
in order to determine the weight of that beaker, you need to get the two pans of the scale in perfect balance
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in symmetry
a balanced, pleasing, or suitable arrangement of parts
the balance of the landscaping is in keeping with the symmetry of so many 18th-century mansions
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in scale
a device for measuring weight
use a balance to make sure you get the amounts precisely correct
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in offset
a force or influence that makes an opposing force ineffective or less effective
the balance to the mountain of complaints are the many letters of praise that we also receive
Synonyms & Similar Words
5
as in rest
a remaining group or portion
and the balance of the contestants should stand in that last corner
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to equate
to make equal in amount, degree, or status
tried to balance the total amount of money spent on gifts for each child
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to hesitate
to show uncertainty about the right course of action
his tendency to balance and waffle on certain hot-button issues may hurt him in the general election
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in stable
having full use of one's mind and control over one's actions
no balanced person would believe that their dog's bark was actually the voice of God
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in symmetrical
having the parts agreeably related
a balanced arrangement of the furniture made the room look more spacious
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in equated
to make equal in amount, degree, or status
tried to balance the total amount of money spent on gifts for each child
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in hesitated
to show uncertainty about the right course of action
his tendency to balance and waffle on certain hot-button issues may hurt him in the general election
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in paid
to give what is owed for
she had to balance her account with the hotel before checking out of her room
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 balance
Mariam Fam, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2026
That is always a balance the Federal Reserve tries to strike.
—Dana Taylor, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026
Sarah Anzlovar, Verywell Health, 23 Feb. 2026
The challenge is balancing decisiveness with collaboration, and speed with thoughtful input.
—Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 23 Feb. 2026
Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Feb. 2026
Certain storylines, especially those involving gender violence, require a more balanced group of collaborators.
—Marta Balaga, Variety, 17 Feb. 2026
Charlotte Observer, 14 Feb. 2026
The spicy pepper relish is balanced perfectly with a spread of creamy goat cheese to make for a satisfying bite.
—Abby Fribush, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for balance
Noun
Others say that a balance can be struck and that, in moderation, such rituals are part of the month’s festive spirit.
—Mariam Fam, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2026
That is always a balance the Federal Reserve tries to strike.
—Dana Taylor, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026
Verb
This is light for a meal, so balance it out with a small side of red beans and rice to feel full and satisfied.
—Sarah Anzlovar, Verywell Health, 23 Feb. 2026
The challenge is balancing decisiveness with collaboration, and speed with thoughtful input.
—Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 23 Feb. 2026
Adjective
Everman’s balanced attack too much for Wyatt Everman got 15 points from Carsyn Smith and 12 more from Makhiya Dangerfield as the Bulldogs bowled over Fort Worth Wyatt 69-14 in a Class 5A Division II bi-district tilt on Monday.
—Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Feb. 2026
Certain storylines, especially those involving gender violence, require a more balanced group of collaborators.
—Marta Balaga, Variety, 17 Feb. 2026
Verb
My approach prioritizes resident input and ensuring that maintaining the county’s essential needs is balanced with prioritizing the well-being of the populace over purely numerical targets.
—Charlotte Observer, 14 Feb. 2026
The spicy pepper relish is balanced perfectly with a spread of creamy goat cheese to make for a satisfying bite.
—Abby Fribush, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for balance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for balance
Noun
-
The work of Ayurveda, then, is to restore equilibrium.—
Annie Daly,
Vogue,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Then, with fewer and smaller oxygen-consuming animals and more plants gobbling up carbon dioxide and producing oxygen, the balance will change, eventually reaching equilibrium.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
This measures body fat, muscle volume and symmetry.—
David Oliver,
USA Today,
23 Feb. 2026
-
On the medical side, Bommarito tracks everything from nutrition to sleep and how his athletes can develop bodily symmetry between left and right.—
David Furones,
Sun Sentinel,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
This immense scale requires trillions of dollars of investment that will ripple through physical markets, directly impacting real estate, construction, power and electricity generation, and industrial metals.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
23 Feb. 2026
-
If that all sounds a bit out there, consider the planetary scale of Refik Anadol's work.—
Sharyn Alfonsi,
CBS News,
23 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Under the Daylight Act, the time zone UTC offsets would be changed to half-hour increments rather than hours.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Critics have long warned that weak oversight, inflated claims and poor benefit-sharing have eroded trust in offset programs.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Once the last flower drops off, the plant needs rest to recover its strength, and during that time, the leaf segments may look thin, dull, and saggy.—
Leanne Potts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
22 Feb. 2026
-
But keep in mind the team will likely search for ways to build in extra rest for their five starters.—
Cody Stavenhagen,
New York Times,
22 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Rotating forward shifts body weight ahead of the center of support, making balance control more demanding and landings less stable.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
23 Feb. 2026
-
Their journey from a fractious dynamic and rocky road to fraternal camaraderie was rooted in the fact that Shawn grew up in poverty, facing constant adversity, while Jack grew up in a stable household without wants.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
23 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Intricate stonework and carved detailing wrap the symmetrical façade, which includes covered patios.—
Brendel Clark,
Freep.com,
21 Feb. 2026
-
Front Entry and Porch Updates Virginia designer Erin Tripodi is a fan of flanking a front door with large, symmetrical planters.—
Lauren Jones,
Southern Living,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Both demonstrate a compelling understanding of proportion and materiality, with a clarity of vision that feels highly relevant for the contemporary luxury landscape.—
Lisa Lockwood,
Footwear News,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Some called it a betrayal of Shakespearean proportions.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Balance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/balance. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
