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
coun·ter·bal·ance
ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈba-lən(t)s
ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌba-
counterbalanced; counterbalancing; counterbalances
1
: to oppose or balance with an equal weight or force
2
: to equip with counterbalances
Synonyms
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
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Feb. 2025
This shift is inspired by a growing desire for homes that feel grounded and connected to nature, a counterbalance to the sterility of minimalist trends.
—Wendy Vazquez, Southern Living, 17 Jan. 2025
Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025
Analysts see this as an opportunity to counterbalance the dominance of private companies in AI development.
—Thomas Adamson and Aamer Madhani, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for counterbalance 
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Noun
All the while, however, Beijing and Moscow have pursued inroads into the Western Hemisphere, with China establishing unprecedented levels of diplomatic and economic engagement and Russia seeking to revive and revamp Cold War-era partnerships as a counterbalance to NATO expansion in Europe.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Feb. 2025
This shift is inspired by a growing desire for homes that feel grounded and connected to nature, a counterbalance to the sterility of minimalist trends.
—Wendy Vazquez, Southern Living, 17 Jan. 2025
Verb
This policy adjustment seeks to counterbalance the tariffs, taxes and subsidies that other nations impose on U.S. products.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025
Analysts see this as an opportunity to counterbalance the dominance of private companies in AI development.
—Thomas Adamson and Aamer Madhani, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for counterbalance
Dictionary Entries Near counterbalance
Cite this Entry
“Counterbalance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterbalance. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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