counterbalance

1 of 2

noun

coun·​ter·​bal·​ance ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌba-lən(t)s 

ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈba-

1

: a weight that balances another

2

: a force or influence that offsets or checks an opposing force

counterbalance

2 of 2

verb

coun·​ter·​bal·​ance ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈba-lən(t)s 

ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌba-

counterbalanced; counterbalancing; counterbalances

transitive verb

1

: to oppose or balance with an equal weight or force

2

: to equip with counterbalances

Synonyms

Noun

• balance
• canceler
• canceller
• corrective
• counter
• counteraction
• counterforce
• counterpoise
• counterweight
• equipoise
• neutralizer
• offset

Verb

• annul
• cancel (out)
• compensate (for)
• correct
• counteract
• counterpoise
• make up (for)
• negative
• neutralize
• offset

Examples of counterbalance in a Sentence

Noun

charitable giving is usually a good counterbalance to the self-indulgent commercialism of the Christmas season

Verb

The author's wry humor counterbalances the book's serious subject matter.

a hearty dinner might counterbalance missing lunch

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Uncertainty over election results, which may take days to finalize, added to market jitters, while hopes for a rate cut from the Fed provided a counterbalance. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024

However, the image of the candidate smiling ecstatically while savagely ripping into her opponent now provides a welcome counterbalance to the apocalyptic vibes of late. —Joe Berkowitz, Vulture, 3 Nov. 2024

Verb

Now, grid planners can build a comprehensive strategy that includes alternative solutions like renewable energy generation to counterbalance a data center's demand growth. —Abhay Gupta, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

Wells Fargo predicts that Boeing will have to sell between $10 and $15 billion in new stock to counterbalance the severe losses from 33,000 workers being on strike for weeks. —Jason Ma, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

counterbalance

1 of 2 noun

coun·​ter·​bal·​ance ˈkau̇nt-ər-ˌbal-ən(t)s 

ˌkau̇nt-ər-ˈbal-

1

: a weight that balances another

2

: a force or influence that checks an opposing force

counterbalance

2 of 2 verb

: to oppose or balance with an equal weight or force