COUNTERPOISE Synonyms: 60 Similar and Opposite Words

counterpoise 1 of 2

noun

Definition of counterpoise

as in equilibrium

a condition in which opposing forces are equal to one another a musical piece with a counterpoise of loud and soft passages

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in offset

a force or influence that makes an opposing force ineffective or less effective the happiness brought by a new baby was a timely counterpoise to the grief occasioned by a death in the family

Synonyms & Similar Words

counterpoise

2 of 2

verb

ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌpȯiz

as in to offset

to balance with an equal force so as to make ineffective her overall healthiness largely counterpoised the virulence of the infection

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 counterpoise

Noun

That’s more than just a defeat; that is institutional counterpoise against the attempt by the president to corrupt institutions. — David Frum, The Atlantic, 18 Feb. 2026 Molina, the embodiment of theatrical excellence, is perfectly cast as the rational counterpoise to Brady’s zealotry. — Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2023 What’s most remarkable about Torruella’s film is its counterpoise between the sense of raging injustice and the island’s mystic stillness. — Amada Torruella, The New Yorker, 27 Sep. 2023

Verb

Conflicts of interest are objective situations that arise when a person’s financial interests can be counterpoised to their public responsibilities. — Matthew Yglesias, Vox, 29 Nov. 2018

Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterpoise

Noun

Testing at this equilibrium allows engineers to observe exactly how reactor physics and core conditions interact.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 22 Oct. 2026
With Chain Coach’s Chelsea is slouchy and structured in equal measure — a tough equilibrium to nail.

— Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of equilibrium

Noun

The gorgeous and tasty caramel and cream cheese frosting looks the best when applied with a small offset spatula to give it that swirly effect on the cake.

— Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2026
As an offset, the company's third quarter backlog increased 90% year over year.

— Paulina Likos, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of offset

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

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

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

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

Noun

The need for correctives is extensive, and the work is well under way.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 Oct. 2026
State Board of Education member Brandon Hall, a pastor from Weatherford who voted for the mandate, framed the changes as a corrective.

— Rachel Royster. Produced with AI assistance, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 July 2026

Definition of corrective

Browse Nearby Words

counterpoints

counterpoise

counterpoised

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Style

“Counterpoise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterpoise. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of counterpoise

noun

verb

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