as in offsets
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 neutralizes
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 counterbalances
David Goldman, CNN Money, 4 Feb. 2026
The pastel counterbalances the darker and mid-tones in the forecast.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 16 Sep. 2025
The book counterbalances the weirdo factor with multiple heartwarming Disney Adult interviews, including one with an amputee who achieved a running goal at a Disney race and another in which a woman reprioritized, choosing a church mission trip instead of financing another Disney World adventure.
—Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2025
Verb
That uncertainty and rise in unemployment tends to fuel a near-term dip in demand for goods, which counterbalances the price increases from tariffs.
—David Goldman, CNN Money, 4 Feb. 2026
The pastel counterbalances the darker and mid-tones in the forecast.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 16 Sep. 2025
The book counterbalances the weirdo factor with multiple heartwarming Disney Adult interviews, including one with an amputee who achieved a running goal at a Disney race and another in which a woman reprioritized, choosing a church mission trip instead of financing another Disney World adventure.
—Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterbalances
Noun
-
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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Sometimes the strength part neutralizes his athleticism and neutralizes his skills.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Apr. 2026
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Especially because the historicization does something to Martin’s writing, tossing in a saccharine element that neutralizes some of his humor.—
Emma Alpern,
Vulture,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Fares are available at Southwest’s ticket counters.—
Leslie Josephs,
CNBC,
2 May 2026
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Use them to clean toilets, sinks, showers, tubs, counters, and floors.—
Kate Van Pelt,
The Spruce,
1 May 2026
Verb
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This version corrects the name of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and corrects to say India is the world’s second-largest LPG importer.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Discover the altered gene, place healthy versions of the gene into innocuous viruses, give those to patients, hope that kickstarts the CFTR protein and corrects the problem.—
Courtney Crowder,
USA Today,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Early filers increased debt payments by about 20%, according to the Bank of America Institute, using the funds to pay off bills, car loans, credit card balances, and student loans.—
The Week US,
TheWeek,
30 Apr. 2026
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Getty Images/iStockphoto Debt balances have been climbing rapidly over the last year, and so have the costs of carrying them.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Benadryl Extra-Strength Anti-Itch Cooling Spray counteracts the burning sensation with a cooling one.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Mar. 2026
-
This serum purportedly counteracts that, working to de-age the scalp, thus thickening and strengthening strands.—
Tamim Alnuweiri,
InStyle,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The convenience of these models often outweighs potential drawbacks (short battery life, burdensome maintenance).—
Jolie Kerr,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Apr. 2026
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This is because the mass of unsustainable brands outweighs sustainable ones.—
Andre Claudio,
Footwear News,
23 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Counterbalances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterbalances. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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