1
as in equilibrium
a condition in which opposing forces are equal to one another
a musical piece with a counterpoise of loud and soft passages
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in offset
a force or influence that makes an opposing force ineffective or less effective
the happiness brought by a new baby was a timely counterpoise to the grief occasioned by a death in the family
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in to offset
to balance with an equal force so as to make ineffective
her overall healthiness largely counterpoised the virulence of the infection
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 counterpoise
Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2023
What’s most remarkable about Torruella’s film is its counterpoise between the sense of raging injustice and the island’s mystic stillness.
—Amada Torruella, The New Yorker, 27 Sep. 2023
Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2023
Conflicts of interest are objective situations that arise when a person’s financial interests can be counterpoised to their public responsibilities.
—Matthew Yglesias, Vox, 29 Nov. 2018
Noun
Molina, the embodiment of theatrical excellence, is perfectly cast as the rational counterpoise to Brady’s zealotry.
—Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2023
What’s most remarkable about Torruella’s film is its counterpoise between the sense of raging injustice and the island’s mystic stillness.
—Amada Torruella, The New Yorker, 27 Sep. 2023
Verb
Indeed, the Western, that peculiarly American contribution to the world’s store of epic and saga, often depends on the tale of a defeated Confederate at large to enforce virtue, someone whose heroic individualism is counterpoised with the superficial discipline of the federal troops.
—Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2023
Conflicts of interest are objective situations that arise when a person’s financial interests can be counterpoised to their public responsibilities.
—Matthew Yglesias, Vox, 29 Nov. 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterpoise
Noun
-
This delicate equilibrium underscores the significance of integrating self-determination and Stoicism into a cohesive leadership philosophy.—
Davide Sartini,
Forbes.com,
1 May 2025
-
The center of balance rides lower than ever before, with weight distribution in such equilibrium that Ward even corner-balanced the truck.—
Michael Van Runkle,
Robb Report,
2 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Any offsets or wage garnishment launched on a borrower’s loan will stop.—
Karen Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
7 May 2025
-
After offset or wage garnishment has begun, borrowers can still object or request a hearing, but that won’t stop the offset or garnishment unless the borrower ultimately prevails. Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn.—
Adam S. Minsky,
Forbes.com,
5 May 2025
Verb
-
The mistake was caught within minutes and officials were alerted so that it could be corrected, according to a team source.—
Chris Johnston,
New York Times,
2 May 2025
-
The President has said the nation is experiencing a setback that will be corrected by manufacturing jobs being created in the U.S. Biden has been publicly quiet about the incessant criticism that continues to come from his successor.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
1 May 2025
Noun
-
From a pocket of the coat Heiss removed Prima’s note and her ribbon and tossed them onto the counter.—
Lillian Fishman,
New Yorker,
4 May 2025
-
Both teams had a deep understanding of the other and had already seen multiple in-game adjustments and counters to keep the playoff tactical battle alive.—
Kelly Iko,
New York Times,
3 May 2025
Verb
-
Theodore also made a handful of nice defensive plays in the opening frame, neutralizing what looked like dangerous rush chances with strong stick checks.—
Michael Russo,
New York Times,
2 May 2025
-
Here, 15 members of Forbes Coaches Council explain how to manage negative thoughts at work and neutralize their impact.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
1 May 2025
Noun
-
Garcia should do better, but that would be ignoring the real story: this is a world-class save that only happens because of elite positioning, balance, and raw athleticism.—
Matt Pyzdrowski,
New York Times,
8 May 2025
-
Equally important are user-friendly solutions that integrate smoothly into existing workflows, striking the right balance between security and usability.—
David Schiffer,
Forbes.com,
8 May 2025
Noun
-
To clinch the alpine theme, the counterweight on the seconds hand is shaped like an eagle’s feather.—
Justin Fenner,
Robb Report,
1 Apr. 2025
-
Even then, the probability of being a counterweight to Google is small.—
Justin Gest,
Newsweek,
10 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Counterpoise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterpoise. Accessed 14 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share