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
Relevance
as in to offset
to balance with an equal force so as to make ineffective
a hearty dinner might counterbalance missing lunch
Synonyms & Similar Words
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of counterbalance
Jeffrey Weng, National Review, 20 Dec. 2024
Add performers like Zach Bryan, Margo Price and Billy Strings to that mix and what was once a divide has developed into a counterbalance.
—Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 30 Aug. 2024
Valerie Mesa, People.com, 23 Dec. 2024
Attracting new consumers has allowed Lego to drive revenue and helped to counterbalance softness in the theatrical realm.
—Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 23 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for counterbalance 
Noun
Building on its decades of strategic preparation, China has begun to wield its advantages over critical materials as a counterbalance against the West.
—Jeffrey Weng, National Review, 20 Dec. 2024
Add performers like Zach Bryan, Margo Price and Billy Strings to that mix and what was once a divide has developed into a counterbalance.
—Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 30 Aug. 2024
Verb
This crystal’s vibrant energy also counterbalances Capricorn’s occasional tendency toward stoicism or over-seriousness, reminding them to enjoy the process and embrace their creativity along the way.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 23 Dec. 2024
Attracting new consumers has allowed Lego to drive revenue and helped to counterbalance softness in the theatrical realm.
—Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 23 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for counterbalance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterbalance
Noun
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As does a menu of potential spending offsets proposed by House Republicans, which includes a new fee for EVs and the elimination of a tax credit loophole for leasing them.—
Andrew J. Hawkins,
The Verge,
22 Jan. 2025
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House Energy and Commerce Committee Republicans met Tuesday to suss out how changes to Medicaid or other health care measures could be used as offsets in a reconciliation bill.—
Peter Sullivan,
Axios,
15 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The Knicks went all-in on acquiring Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby to be the backbone of a defense capable of neutralizing elite perimeter scorers.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
18 Jan. 2025
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Researchers have successfully designed two proteins to neutralize some of the most lethal venom toxins, using a suite of artificial intelligence tools, per a study published January 15 in the journal Nature.—
Lauren Leffer,
Popular Science,
15 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Mind you, his top-corner finish on the counter (below) came seconds after the match officials turned a blind eye to the most blatant foul inside Real’s box (above).—
Phil Hay,
The Athletic,
17 Jan. 2025
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And there are photos and videos of Piper in the kitchen — sitting on a counter dumping eggs into the bowl of a KitchenAid mixer and bouncing a pan of batter on the counter to knock out the air bubbles.—
Lisa Gutierrez,
Kansas City Star,
16 Jan. 2025
Verb
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This story has been corrected to show that Berkowitz works at Georgetown University, not George Washington University.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
17 Jan. 2025
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This story has been updated to correct a typo in the size of OSTP’s budget.—
Kenneth Evans,
The Conversation,
16 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Yet, along the way, technology has knocked the news industry off balance.—
Dan Gardner,
Forbes,
20 Jan. 2025
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Electrolyte Balance: The adrenal glands ensure a proper balance of minerals in the blood, such as sodium and potassium.—
Dominique Fluker,
Essence,
20 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Despite these denials, the alliance between the two nations is increasingly viewed as a counterweight to Western influence in the region and beyond.—
Yaakov Katz,
Newsweek,
17 Jan. 2025
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Intended as a counterweight to NATO, the organization is based on a principle that an attack against one member should be perceived as an attack against all.—
Ivan Nechepurenko,
New York Times,
17 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near counterbalance
Cite this Entry
“Counterbalance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterbalance. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
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