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
Relevance
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
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Recent Examples of counterbalance
Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2026
In Why Democracy Needs the Rich, author John McGinnis argues that wealth, including billionaire philanthropy, is a healthy counterbalance to government.
—Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2026
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Mar. 2026
Those losses were then counterbalanced by a road victory against Butler at historic Hinkle Fieldhouse and a third straight win over NCAA Tournament shoo-in Saint Mary’s in Idaho Falls.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for counterbalance
Noun
Meanwhile, the earthy and nutty pumpernickel bread is a great counterbalance to the richness of the filling.
—Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2026
In Why Democracy Needs the Rich, author John McGinnis argues that wealth, including billionaire philanthropy, is a healthy counterbalance to government.
—Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2026
Verb
Designed by group collaborator and designer Dorothee Meilichzon, the rooms’ whimsical stylings are cleverly counterbalanced with classic details like parquet flooring, white walls and linens, and light wood.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Mar. 2026
Those losses were then counterbalanced by a road victory against Butler at historic Hinkle Fieldhouse and a third straight win over NCAA Tournament shoo-in Saint Mary’s in Idaho Falls.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for counterbalance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterbalance
Noun
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Through an algebraic analysis of the robots’ parameters, such as the lengths of their links and the offsets of their joints, the team mapped out exactly where the singularities lie within their joint space.—
Jacek Krywko,
ArsTechnica,
26 Apr. 2026
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In these window boxes, the bluish hue of dichondra 'Silver Falls' offsets pink begonias and Madagascar periwinkle.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The shampoo uses highly concentrated violet pigments (which give it that signature purple hue) to neutralize yellow tones on contact.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
28 Apr. 2026
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When ingested, the bacteria can release enzymes that neutralize stomach acids, then from there storm the intestines and can enter the blood.—
Beth Mole,
ArsTechnica,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Ethics watchdogs have flagged concerns that these donations could buy favorable regulatory treatment from the federal government, while the White House counters that critics would complain if the project were funded by taxpayers.—
Phillip M. Bailey,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2026
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Running seconds appear in the subdial at 7 o’clock, while the subdial at 4 o’clock features a 30-minute counter.—
Victoria Gomelsky,
Robb Report,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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At the league meetings in March, owners approved a measure that would allow replacement game officiating crews to receive assistance from the game-day command center and correct on-field calls.—
Mike Jones,
New York Times,
30 Apr. 2026
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According to the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters, mistakes can also be corrected by simply indicating the correction on your original ballot.—
Hector Amezcua,
Sacbee.com,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
At the same time, balance ambition with perspective.—
Johnny C. Taylor Jr,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
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Interiors by Studio Architetto Mar, balance historic character with refined updates, highlighted by two reception rooms, a formal dining room, and a spacious chef’s kitchen dressed in decorative wallpaper.—
Demetrius Simms,
Robb Report,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Curiosity is no longer just a counterweight to vertigo.—
Matti Yahav,
Fortune,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Framed as a platform for addressing inequality, climate change and the rise of right-wing political movements, yet the rhetoric coming from it has raised questions in Washington and across the region about whether a more coordinated political counterweight to the United States is taking shape.—
Armando Regil Velasco,
FOXNews.com,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Counterbalance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterbalance. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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