Definition of balancenext
1
2
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

balance

2 of 4

verb (1)

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
3
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

1
2

balanced

4 of 4

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
Look at the decorative engraving, the materials, the finishing, and the overall balance of the design. Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 3 July 2026 The space is a balance between tropical escape and late-night lounge, with moody lighting, sexy design elements and music that keeps the energy elevated throughout the evening. Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
Verb
Throughout the show's four-season run, the couple became known for their steady relationship, balancing family struggles with humor, heart and unwavering support for one another. Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026 Congress left town this week mired in disagreement over how to balance the president’s election obsession with other pressing priorities, including the annual defense-spending bill. Toluse Olorunnipa, The Atlantic, 4 July 2026
Adjective
The result is a design methodology often referred to as Pareto optimization, in which gains in one area inevitably come at the expense of another until a balanced solution is reached. Bradley Iger, ArsTechnica, 6 July 2026 The lightweight, pH-balanced formula also contains amaranth protein, antioxidant-rich peptides, and castor oil to thicken, strengthen, improve volume, and reduce breakage. Tessa Petak, InStyle, 4 July 2026
Verb
Perhaps cities like New York will refine a functional version of consumer socialism, in which subsidies are balanced with enormous supply-side expansions in the number of homes and child-care centers, leaving everyone better off. Idrees Kahloon, The Atlantic, 6 July 2026 Heuer’s attorney, Erick Kaardal, argued that privacy concerns could be balanced with the public’s right to access government records by redacting identifying or sensitive information on the forms. Scott Bauer, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for balance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for balance
Noun
  • For Werzyn, that equilibrium now extends outside the bathroom.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 5 July 2026
  • Yet both underscore a defining characteristic of American democracy – the delicate yet shifting equilibrium among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches that underpins the business of governing.
    The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • In laboratory testing, the aDBS system improved gait symmetry and reduced variability in walking patterns, and participants reported fewer falls while maintaining overall control of Parkinson’s symptoms when using the system in their daily lives.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 1 July 2026
  • When places are being set for dinner, or in a stone garden in a Buddhist monastery, there is no governing principle of central symmetry or proportional order.
    Merve Emre, New Yorker, 28 June 2026
Noun
  • There are limits to this model, however Replicating this success at scale won’t be easy, said Paul Dergarabedian, head of marketplace trends for Rentrak.
    Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
  • China pursues industrial policy at much greater scale and with more direct state authority.
    Nili Gilbert, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
Noun
  • The parents allege that UC Davis included what was meant only to be an expense offset for the in-kind donations of horses in calculating the total cost of the equestrian program.
    Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026
  • Using an offset spatula, smooth across surface to cover evenly, spreading all the way to the edges.
    Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • To minimize risks during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) advises incorporating frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 4 July 2026
  • Increasingly, however, many are embracing a different definition—one that includes rest, healing, preventative care, joy, and self-investment.
    Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • This anxiety often leads to rumination, where individuals endlessly ponder potential outcomes without actual preparation, mistakenly equating thinking with problem-solving.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
  • For someone who seems to equate being rich with getting respect, money can feel like a familiar friend.
    Diane Brady, Fortune, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • And women who suspect their period pain is more severe than normal should not hesitate to speak with a health care provider, especially if symptoms are affecting their quality of life.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 7 July 2026
  • In the second half, Freese stepped off his line to control a ball, hesitated, stubbed his foot against the ground, and lost the ball.
    Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 7 July 2026
Verb
  • While Walmart isn’t an official sponsor of the World Cup, either, taking advantage of the social media chatter helps the company glom onto the tournament without paying FIFA for the privilege – especially when attention spans are divided.
    Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 8 July 2026
  • Cruise ship pay varies widely by job, but free housing, meals and other perks can significantly boost overall compensation.
    Nathan Diller, USA Today, 8 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Balance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/balance. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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