counterweight

noun

coun·​ter·​weight ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌwāt 

: an equivalent weight or force : counterbalance

counterweight transitive verb

Synonyms

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

Examples of counterweight in a Sentence

The crane has a heavy counterweight on the back.

hard work can often be a counterweight to modest intelligence

Recent Examples on the Web

America must serve as a counterweight to China’s critical minerals deals in the region, but can’t fully do so until the region is more stable. —Paul Tilsley, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2025

Paul was often seen as a counterweight to Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) on foreign policy among Trump’s friends on Capitol Hill. —W. James Antle Iii, The Washington Examiner, 12 June 2025

At the same time, Iran has strengthened strategic ties with Russia and China and positioned itself as a regional counterweight to Israel. —Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025

Eight priests in heavy robes acted as the counterweight, controlling a rope as thick as my forearm. —Craig Martin, Outside Online, 8 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1693, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for counterweight

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• adsorbate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate

Kids Definition

counterweight

noun

coun·​ter·​weight ˈkau̇nt-ər-ˌwāt 

: counterbalance entry 1 sense 1