counterweight

noun

coun·​ter·​weight ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌwāt How to pronounce counterweight (audio)
: an equivalent weight or force : counterbalance
counterweight transitive verb

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
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.
The alliance, conceived as a counterweight to the Group of Seven, has seen steady growth. Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025 Meanwhile, India is balancing its traditional solidarity with postcolonial countries against its desire to become a major military player loosely in the U.S. camp—a shift that has elevated its global standing as a counterweight to China. Matias Spektor, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025 Mark Cuban has become a vociferous supporter of Vice President Harris' presidential bid, serving as a social media counterweight to fellow tech billionaires like Elon Musk. Dan Primack, Axios, 9 Sep. 2024 Where are Republicans with experience in public policy, though, who could govern as a bit of a counterweight to the big majorities held by legislative Democrats? Thomas Elias, The Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for counterweight 

Word History

First Known Use

1693, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of counterweight was in 1693

Dictionary Entries Near counterweight

Cite this Entry

“Counterweight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterweight. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

counterweight

noun
coun·​ter·​weight ˈkau̇nt-ər-ˌwāt How to pronounce counterweight (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on counterweight

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!