Thesaurus results for COUNTERBALANCE

counterbalance 1 of 2

noun

ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌba-lən(t)s

Definition of counterbalance

as in offset

a force or influence that makes an opposing force ineffective or less effective charitable giving is usually a good counterbalance to the self-indulgent commercialism of the Christmas season

Synonyms & Similar Words

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counterbalance

2 of 2

verb

ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈba-lən(t)s

as in to offset

to balance with an equal force so as to make ineffective a hearty dinner might counterbalance missing lunch

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 counterbalance

Noun

India continues to value the stability of its relationship with Washington, particularly as a counterbalance to China’s expanding influence in Asia and beyond. — Ian Bremmer, Time, 11 Sep. 2026 Unions serve as a vital counterbalance in an economy where corporate profits and executive salaries often overshadow the needs of the workforce. — Arkansas Online, 7 Sep. 2026

Verb

Richardson discusses how his early fascination with science and his enjoyment of science fiction has influenced his poetry and considers the way his aphorisms counterbalance his more lyric poems. — Fiction Non Fiction, Literary Hub, 1 Oct. 2026 In Milan they’re paired with suits as a way to counterbalance the formality. — Alex Sales, Glamour, 27 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for counterbalance

Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterbalance

Noun

Stifel analyst Peter McGoldrick, who covers athletics, footwear and lifestyle brands, noted that elevated input costs is likely to impact margin pressure for the 2027 calendar year before offsets.

— Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
That offset shrinks to only 38mm when installing a 280mm radiator kit.

— Thomas Soderstrom, PC Magazine, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of offset

Verb

That neutralizes the threats brought on by Southeastern and other investors, including John Rogers’ Ariel Investments, which has pushed for a sale.

— Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 22 Oct. 2026
But the Rassvet system Moscow is planning to deploy in 2027 would neutralize any such advantage.

— Mary Ilyushina, Washington Post, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of neutralize

Noun

Guests who think an occasional bottle of wine flung on the counter has rendered this custom obsolete should note that any sensible hostess will disagree.

— Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026
After a long study of multiple clips, Williams urged Miller to his feet, balancing the laptop in the palm of one hand while demonstrating where the forward should place his hands at each stage of an offensive player’s drive and counter.

— Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of counter

Verb

Ahead of a critical divisional matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night, the need to correct the problems sooner rather than later has become dire after a 2-4 start.

— Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Oct. 2026
Spotting where physical results diverge from computer models allows technical teams to correct their simulation software before committing to final prototype hardware.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of correct

Noun

The contract bars balance-billing patients beyond insured rates and limits annual adjustments to South Region medical and transportation inflation markers.

— Randy Moll, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
Interest and fees increase the loan balance, reducing equity available for future needs.

— Liz Weston, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of balance

Noun

OpenAI was founded in 2015 partly as a counterweight to the concentration of AI research at companies like Google.

— Jordan Novet, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026
In 1937, Foyles started the Right Book Club, a rather feeble counterweight to Victor Gollancz’s Left Book Club.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of counterweight

Browse Nearby Words

counterattacks

counterbalance

counterbalanced

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Counterbalance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterbalance. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of counterbalance

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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