1
as in equilibrium
a condition in which opposing forces are equal to one another
in order to determine the weight of that beaker, you need to get the two pans of the scale in perfect balance
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in symmetry
a balanced, pleasing, or suitable arrangement of parts
the balance of the landscaping is in keeping with the symmetry of so many 18th-century mansions
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in scale
a device for measuring weight
use a balance to make sure you get the amounts precisely correct
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in offset
a force or influence that makes an opposing force ineffective or less effective
the balance to the mountain of complaints are the many letters of praise that we also receive
Synonyms & Similar Words
5
as in rest
a remaining group or portion
and the balance of the contestants should stand in that last corner
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to equate
to make equal in amount, degree, or status
tried to balance the total amount of money spent on gifts for each child
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to hesitate
to show uncertainty about the right course of action
his tendency to balance and waffle on certain hot-button issues may hurt him in the general election
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 balance
Tony Sanchez, Time, 25 Apr. 2025
At less than 2,300 pounds, the car offers a power-to-weight ratio and 50:50 front/rear weight balance that helps deliver delightful road-going entertainment.
—Robert Ross, Robb Report, 25 Apr. 2025
Sj Studio, Sourcing Journal, 25 Apr. 2025
Governor Gavin Newsom, who has historically sought to balance tech regulation with business retention, will face a pivotal decision if the bill reaches his desk.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for balance
Noun
For physical and mental balance, these chakras must act in concert with one another.
—Tony Sanchez, Time, 25 Apr. 2025
At less than 2,300 pounds, the car offers a power-to-weight ratio and 50:50 front/rear weight balance that helps deliver delightful road-going entertainment.
—Robert Ross, Robb Report, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
Tariffs may have set the fire, but long-term success will come down to how well brands balance speed with structure.
—Sj Studio, Sourcing Journal, 25 Apr. 2025
Governor Gavin Newsom, who has historically sought to balance tech regulation with business retention, will face a pivotal decision if the bill reaches his desk.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for balance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for balance
Noun
-
Our task today is to preserve whatever equilibrium is left and restore what has been destroyed.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
21 Apr. 2025
-
To achieve a happy equilibrium, collaboration is required — as Newcastle fans will be painstakingly reminded over the coming months.—
Chris Waugh,
New York Times,
7 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
On a day that had long been in the books as a tribute to Kevin Keegan, the manager who saved the club from oblivion, dragged it into the Premier League and opened up a world of possibilities, there was a discordant kind of symmetry.—
Chris Waugh,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
-
However, there could be some symmetry if the Diamondbacks signed Martinez to nearly bookend his career.—
Dan Freedman,
Forbes,
9 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
And indeed, there are few of its peers with the ambition to create art on this scale.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2025
-
Neighborhoods that had been cut off for two years suddenly opened up, revealing a picture of hunger and suffering on a shocking scale.—
Declan Walsh,
New York Times,
19 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Even an accounting measure preferred by the Senate Republicans, which would count the 2017 tax breaks as current policy rather than a new one requiring an offset, still comes up short for covering the full price tag of the new package, which could swell beyond $5 trillion over 10 years.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
27 Apr. 2025
-
Check out these suggestions, each of which, if multiplied by others, can help subdue climate change: Choose airlines that offer carbon offset programs.—
Lea Lane,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Cooper was good about giving Vasilevskiy, who has one Vezina (2018-19), one Conn Smythe (2021) and a pair of Cup rings to his credit, sufficient rest as Jonas Johansson made 18 starts.—
Tom Layberger,
Forbes.com,
20 Apr. 2025
-
At the time, a rep for the band told media outlets that Starkey was advised to take blood thinners for two weeks and rest to prevent additional clots.—
Kimberlee Speakman,
People.com,
19 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The White House has equated Harvard’s policies (think: diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, as well as the handling of protests, etc.) to political activity.—
Cate Martel,
The Hill,
17 Apr. 2025
-
For years, these concerns were sidelined in festival culture, with volume often equated with immersion and intensity.—
Shelby Knick,
Forbes.com,
17 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Understanding why companies hesitate, and knowing how to work around it, gives you an edge.—
Dr. Diane Hamilton,
Forbes.com,
27 Apr. 2025
-
Tickets are going fast for this panel, so don’t hesitate to secure your spot.—
Lorraine Berry,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Filers earning more than $100,000 per year pay 85% of the income tax, while those under $100,000, representing 72% of filers, pay the remaining 15%, according to the statistics.—
Christopher Keating,
Hartford Courant,
27 Apr. 2025
-
In the next bracket up, 24%, most couples are also paying a 3.8% investment tax, for a combined federal rate of 27.8%.—
William Baldwin,
Forbes.com,
27 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Balance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/balance. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share