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Definition of balancenext
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as in scale
a device for measuring weight use a balance to make sure you get the amounts precisely correct

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

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balance

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verb (1)

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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

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as in to pay
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

balanced

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adjective

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balanced

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verb (2)

past tense of balance

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
Noun
They’re ostensibly meant to set the tone for negotiation and eventually improve the US trade balance. Tracy Alloway, Bloomberg, 27 Jan. 2026 Not only are hospital CEOs paid obscene amounts of money and the hospitals are sitting on fat cash balances, but NewYork–Presbyterian is guilty of something even more grotesque. Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 27 Jan. 2026
Verb
Unsweetened baking chocolate is great in recipes designed to have a rich chocolate flavor and contain enough sugar to balance it out, like in delicious fudgy brownies. Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 26 Jan. 2026 All indications are the Heat would be allowed to include his salary in a trade as a cap-balancing mechanism, with Rozier remaining on NBA leave. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
The fresh, herbal scent is subtle, and the formula leaves skin feeling clean and balanced. Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 28 Jan. 2026 This approach aims to provide a more balanced view of the university landscape. Time Staff, Time, 28 Jan. 2026
Verb
The dip has a fair bit of heat, so be warned, but the sweet-and-spicy kick, balanced with honey, is worth it. Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 28 Jan. 2026 Last February, the actress reunited in Los Angeles with her 13 Going on 30 costar Judy Greer, wearing an outfit that balanced cute and comfortable — exactly the kind of look that still feels fresh in 2026. Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 28 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for balance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for balance
Noun
  • These familiar crystals exist in thermal equilibrium, maintaining their structure without energy input.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 29 Jan. 2026
  • After the system reaches equilibrium, the programmers can read the solution in the new configuration of the resonators.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Its clear lines and symmetry stood out and kept viewers' attention.
    Kaitlyn McInnis, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
  • According to the researchers, the symmetry improves crawling performance, simplifies multi-object planning, and reduces the need for complex motions, enabling faster, more efficient manipulation compared to traditional robotic or human-like hands.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 21 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • On LinkedIn, company leadership has shared updates about partnerships aimed at improving compliance and user onboarding, reflecting efforts to strengthen infrastructure and regulatory controls as the platform scales.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 1 Feb. 2026
  • This process reached its peak in early 2026 when the first industrial-scale pilot was installed and began producing fossil-free steam for the brewery’s production lines.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 1 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • If the offset resumed, some taxpayers would see their refunds reduced or eliminated, likely triggering headaches at the IRS, too, even though the IRS does not control offset decisions.
    Susan Tompor, USA Today, 29 Jan. 2026
  • If the offset resumed, some taxpayers would see their refunds reduced or eliminated, likely triggering headaches at the IRS, too, even though the IRS does not control offset decisions.
    Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 28 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The Bulls were also without three starters, as Josh Giddey (hamstring injury management), Nikola Vucevic (rest) and Coby White (calf injury management) were all held out of Saturday’s game.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 1 Feb. 2026
  • Wellness travel now accounts for nearly 8 percent of global trips and is a $900 billion industry, with demand rising for retreats that prioritize rest and renewal.
    Madeline Weinfield, Travel + Leisure, 1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Reed was hospitalized in serious but stable condition on Sunday afternoon.
    Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 2 Feb. 2026
  • Medics took the unconscous survivor, identified by a co-worker as Garo Alexanian, to New York-Presbyterian Hospital Queens in stable condition.
    Rebecca White, New York Daily News, 1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Going up the tongue, symmetrical laces and a midfoot ghillie encourage additional forgiveness.
    Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Little’s ability to play in the box and high safety will give the Buckeyes flexibility to be symmetrical no matter which down or hash mark the offense is on.
    Cameron Teague Robinson, New York Times, 28 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The normal state of those four fluids is harmony and perfect proportion, or eucrasia.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026
  • The same proportion wanted to see better public transport connections between suburban areas and the inner city.
    Laurie Winkless, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Balance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/balance. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.

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