counterbalance

1 of 2

noun

coun·​ter·​bal·​ance ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌba-lən(t)s How to pronounce counterbalance (audio) ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈba- How to pronounce counterbalance (audio)
Synonyms of counterbalancenext
1
: a weight that balances another
2
: a force or influence that offsets or checks an opposing force

counterbalance

2 of 2

verb

coun·​ter·​bal·​ance ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈba-lən(t)s How to pronounce counterbalance (audio) ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌba- How to pronounce counterbalance (audio)
counterbalanced; counterbalancing; counterbalances

transitive verb

1
: to oppose or balance with an equal weight or force
2
: to equip with counterbalances

Synonyms of counterbalance

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Noun

Verb

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Examples of counterbalance in a Sentence

Noun charitable giving is usually a good counterbalance to the self-indulgent commercialism of the Christmas season Verb The author's wry humor counterbalances the book's serious subject matter. a hearty dinner might counterbalance missing lunch
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Noun
Matthew was the perfect counterbalance. — Simon Bland, IndieWire, 12 June 2026 Driving and purchasing a new car can be stressful, and scent can be a powerful counterbalance. — Beth Livesay, AJC.com, 8 May 2026
Verb
But a great manager doesn’t undermine the front office or even just counterbalance their focus on analytics. — Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 15 May 2026 And then the relationship with Andi is so counterbalancing in a really delightful way. — Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for counterbalance

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of counterbalance was circa 1611

Rhymes for counterbalance

See All Rhymes for counterbalance

Browse Nearby Words

counterattack
counterbalance
counterbalanced window
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Cite this Entry

“Counterbalance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterbalance. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

counterbalance

1 of 2 noun
coun·​ter·​bal·​ance ˈkau̇nt-ər-ˌbal-ən(t)s How to pronounce counterbalance (audio)
ˌkau̇nt-ər-ˈbal-
1
: a weight that balances another
2
: a force or influence that checks an opposing force

counterbalance

2 of 2 verb
: to oppose or balance with an equal weight or force

More from Merriam-Webster on counterbalance

Nglish: Translation of counterbalance for Spanish Speakers

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