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

While on the culinary front, omakase and fusion menus from celebrity chefs like Masa Ito, Alan Yau, and Evan Funke are a bold, global counterweight to the more traditional, red velvet steakhouse experiences offered at Don’s Prime and Papi Steak. —Peter Lane Taylor, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024

The long tail is raised as a counterweight when the robot is making its way across the ground, but tilts down to provide leverage once the bot stops to start digging. —New Atlas, 5 Oct. 2024

Zoom in: From the start, BRICS was devised as a counterweight to the West's geopolitical and economic clout, which was embodied particularly through forums like the G7, and later the G8. —Ivana Saric, Axios, 22 Oct. 2024

But the counterweight to Smith's prosecution has already been written — by the Supreme Court. —Mike Allen, Axios, 3 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1693, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

counterweight

noun

coun·​ter·​weight ˈkau̇nt-ər-ˌwāt 

: counterbalance entry 1 sense 1