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
Shelby Stewart, Essence, 25 Mar. 2025
These practices can help recalibrate your emotional state, offering a counterbalance to the relentless tide of gloom.
—Anna Pulley, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2025
Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2025
The growing alignment between China, Russia, and Iran could signal a shift in the balance of power in the Middle East, especially as the three countries seek to counterbalance U.S. influence.
—William Lambers, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterbalance
Noun
Her friendships with Sutton Stracke and Crystal Kung Minkoff became a highlight for fans, offering a counterbalance to the often-exhausting dynamics within the group.
—Shelby Stewart, Essence, 25 Mar. 2025
These practices can help recalibrate your emotional state, offering a counterbalance to the relentless tide of gloom.
—Anna Pulley, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2025
Verb
There is also stability despite the flux — being able to counterbalance the volatile nature of selling-club life.
—Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2025
The growing alignment between China, Russia, and Iran could signal a shift in the balance of power in the Middle East, especially as the three countries seek to counterbalance U.S. influence.
—William Lambers, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterbalance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterbalance
Noun
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Individuals employed by the government in jobs which were not covered by Social Security previously could not collect Social Security upon retirement because of the offset of their public pension against Social Security to prevent a windfall.—
Wendy Hickey,
Boston Herald,
13 Apr. 2025
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That process may be referred to as offsetting the payment, administrative offset, or offset.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes,
21 Mar. 2025
Verb
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These ants, known for their ability to detonate their own bodies, release a toxic secretion to neutralize the threat of invading predators.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
5 Apr. 2025
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The agency said the test demonstrated the reconnaissance drone's ability to track multiple targets and monitor troop movements on land and at sea, potentially enhancing North Korea's intelligence-gathering operations and ability to neutralize enemy threats.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
28 Mar. 2025
Noun
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And the long stainless steel counter can double as a wipe-clean work bench for wrenching on bike components.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
8 Apr. 2025
-
These counter measures were imposed on the U.S. by Canada, Cuba, Mexico, France, Italy, Spain, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, and Switzerland.—
Mike Patton,
Forbes.com,
7 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
This story has been corrected to show the name of the residents' group is Eaton Fire Residents United, not Eaton Fire Residents Unite.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2025
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Both things were handled during and throughout the boot camp, and Ray was correcting us.—
Simon Thompson,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The white flowers also provide a balance to the golden design.—
Celeste Polanco,
Essence,
14 Apr. 2025
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Interest begins accruing the day after the tax deadline on any unpaid balance.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Even then, the probability of being a counterweight to Google is small.—
Justin Gest,
Newsweek,
10 Feb. 2025
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The slate of divisive Trump loyalists could reshape the country’s image of state executives, who have had some of the most positive approval ratings of any politicians in the country and generally have been seen as sober counterweights to whichever administration is in power.—
Julia Manchester,
The Hill,
26 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Counterbalance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterbalance. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
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