counterbalance 1 of 2

Definition of counterbalancenext
as in offset
a force or influence that makes an opposing force ineffective or less effective charitable giving is usually a good counterbalance to the self-indulgent commercialism of the Christmas season

Synonyms & Similar Words

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counterbalance

2 of 2

verb

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of counterbalance
Noun
The bottom line Kaprizov, Hughes and Boldy are game-breaking talents who’d be enough to push Minnesota past plenty of opponents, but Dallas has top-end players who provide a counterbalance along with superior depth. Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2026 Meanwhile, the earthy and nutty pumpernickel bread is a great counterbalance to the richness of the filling. Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2026
Verb
Adelphi offers policy proposals across the IP spectrum that are meant to counterbalance the international strengthening of IP laws, regulations, and enforcement. Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Apr. 2026 Meta is counterbalancing infrastructure expansions with head count reductions. Jordan Novet, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for counterbalance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterbalance
Noun
  • During Disney’s most recent quarterly report in early May, the company’s entertainment segment reported that streaming revenue offset declines in both linear affiliate fees and advertising.
    Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 31 May 2026
  • Apply a thin crumb coat of buttercream over the entire cake to seal in crumbs, using an offset spatula to smooth it evenly.
    Kate Bradshaw, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 2026
Verb
  • The crack did form, leading to a pressure reduction that neutralize the temperature and the chemical.
    Nathaniel Percy, Oc Register, 3 June 2026
  • Meanwhile, Russia fired 198 long-range drones at Ukraine last night, according to Ukraine’s air force, with air defenses neutralizing 189.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 June 2026
Noun
  • The rooms Suite living is the story here, with spacious layouts, full kitchens, granite counters, gas fireplaces, and balconies.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • Drip pan Each Nespresso machine has a drip pan for holding beverage containers and guarding against drips on the counter.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 1 June 2026
Verb
  • Francisco corrects Arnold's Spanish and has conversations with him through his computer speakers.
    Stephan Bisaha, NPR, 4 June 2026
  • But her cool daughter DEI (Sydney Park), who uses they/them pronouns, is always ready to correct her.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 4 June 2026
Noun
  • The service The service strikes an ideal balance between polished and personal, all without being overly stuffy.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • Rocco’s of Roc Beach claimed the crown in the Queens Best Pizza Competition, thanks to its coal brick oven, which lends each slice the perfect balance of crisp and smoky.
    Zoey Goto, Travel + Leisure, 2 June 2026
Noun
  • This setup needed a special handling system and a custom counterweight to keep the rotor steady as it was lifted to its final height.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 1 June 2026
  • For decades, Hezbollah’s arsenal had been tolerated, even tacitly condoned—shielded by the group’s political power and by its status among supporters as a counterweight to Israel.
    Euan Ward, New Yorker, 29 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Counterbalance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterbalance. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.

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