balance of power

noun phrase

: an equilibrium of power sufficient to discourage or prevent one nation or party from imposing its will on or interfering with the interests of another

Examples of balance of power in a Sentence

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.

Allies and Broader Implications As the leader of the Shiite Amal movement, closely allied with Hezbollah, Berri's statements underscore the delicate balance of power in the region. —

Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2024 The Hill: Wisconsin is bracing for a high-stakes state Supreme Court election that will determine its balance of power. —

Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 25 Nov. 2024 But as the war’s dust settles, Israel has wrought fundamental change in the Middle Eastern balance of power. —

Dina Kraft, The Christian Science Monitor, 27 Nov. 2024 As of September, Israel appears to be working to eliminate Hezbollah entirely as well as Hamas, thereby permanently changing its balance of power with Iran. —

Carrie A. Lee, Foreign Affairs, 19 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for balance of power

Word History

First Known Use

1679, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of balance of power was in 1679

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Balance of power.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/balance%20of%20power. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Copy Citation