counterbalance

1 of 2

noun

coun·​ter·​bal·​ance ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌba-lən(t)s How to pronounce counterbalance (audio)
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 How to pronounce counterbalance (audio)
ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌba-
counterbalanced; counterbalancing; counterbalances

transitive verb

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
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.
Noun
The Weeknd’s maze at Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights has an unsettling cocaine-freak-out energy that is a welcome counterbalance to mazes’ sepia tones and textbook monsters. Bethy Squires, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2024 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
Verb
Picture autonomous systems that preemptively detect and neutralize threats, counterbalanced by adversarial AIs designed to bypass these defenses. Jeremy Dodson, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025 Any cheese will counterbalance the hot honey—but sharp cheddar or creamy brie will offer a nice contrast. Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for counterbalance

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of counterbalance was circa 1611

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Counterbalance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterbalance. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

counterbalance

1 of 2 noun
coun·​ter·​bal·​ance ˈkau̇nt-ər-ˌbal-ən(t)s How to pronounce counterbalance (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on counterbalance

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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