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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of counterbalance
Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 28 Jan. 2025
Party leaders are still scrambling to settle on a message and a plan for how to present a counterbalance to Trump, mindful of the drubbing that Democrats took in the November elections.
—Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2025
Brett F. Braley-Palko, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
The United States would remain capable of rallying a counterbalancing coalition to impede any potential Chinese bid for political and military supremacy in Asia.
—Jennifer Kavanagh, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterbalance
Noun
The strength of the dollar often serves as a safe haven amidst market fluctuations, providing a counterbalance to the volatility seen in other asset classes.
—Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 28 Jan. 2025
Party leaders are still scrambling to settle on a message and a plan for how to present a counterbalance to Trump, mindful of the drubbing that Democrats took in the November elections.
—Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2025
Verb
To counterbalance the flared pants, Pope wore pointed boots to elongate his frame.
—Brett F. Braley-Palko, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
The United States would remain capable of rallying a counterbalancing coalition to impede any potential Chinese bid for political and military supremacy in Asia.
—Jennifer Kavanagh, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterbalance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterbalance
Noun
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Federal debts that might trigger offsets include federal income tax delinquencies, student loan defaults, and SSA overpayments.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes,
21 Mar. 2025
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If increasing tariffs reduces the trade deficit, that would be a potential offset to the negative GDP consequences of cutting government spending.—
Michael Khouw,
CNBC,
20 Mar. 2025
Verb
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These tests only focus on measuring antibody activity that would directly neutralize the bird flu virus.—
Will Stone,
NPR,
19 Mar. 2025
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Meanwhile, tea tree extract and lavender oil soothe inflammation, while clover flower extract provides antioxidant benefits and neutralizes free radical damage to improve overall skin texture.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
17 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Democrats can't seem to agree on how to combat the president or come up with a clear counter message to combat the MAGA populism dominating Washington.—
Phillip M. Bailey,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2025
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Hand-cleaning edges under counters and by baseboards in bathrooms is a good idea, too.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
30 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Mayor George Van Dusen, Village Manager John Lockerby and Corporation Counsel Michael Lorge and outside counsel also knew of the incorrect ballots and implored the Cook County Election Board to correct the ballots, per the news release.—
Richard Requena,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Mar. 2025
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However, this should correct itself after the first wash.—
Loren Brutsch,
Health,
31 Mar. 2025
Noun
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But First Step Act supporters portray the reforms as a delicate balance between fairness and public safety.—
Taylor Millard,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
21 Mar. 2025
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The development process took nearly a year and a half, reflecting the meticulous approach taken to ensure a balance between authenticity and broad appeal.—
Jamie Lang,
Variety,
21 Mar. 2025
Noun
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While the courts remain a crucial counterweight, they are not designed to handle every instance of executive overreach.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
4 Mar. 2025
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The final layer is a steel counterweight that gives the K3 a little more heft and separates it from the keyboard’s 1,550mAh rechargeable battery.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes,
24 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Counterbalance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterbalance. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.
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