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
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
Shelby Stewart, Essence, 25 Mar. 2025
These practices can help recalibrate your emotional state, offering a counterbalance to the relentless tide of gloom.
—Anna Pulley, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2025
Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Apr. 2025
There is also stability despite the flux — being able to counterbalance the volatile nature of selling-club life.
—Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterbalance
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Noun
Her friendships with Sutton Stracke and Crystal Kung Minkoff became a highlight for fans, offering a counterbalance to the often-exhausting dynamics within the group.
—Shelby Stewart, Essence, 25 Mar. 2025
These practices can help recalibrate your emotional state, offering a counterbalance to the relentless tide of gloom.
—Anna Pulley, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2025
Verb
This move is a direct response to President Trump's actions, aiming to counterbalance the trade measures.
—Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Apr. 2025
There is also stability despite the flux — being able to counterbalance the volatile nature of selling-club life.
—Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterbalance
Cite this Entry
“Counterbalance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterbalance. Accessed 10 Apr. 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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