1
as in scales
a device for measuring weight
use a balance to make sure you get the amounts precisely correct
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in offsets
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
3
as in rests
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 equates
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 falters
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
3
as in pays
to give what is owed for
she had to balance her account with the hotel before checking out of her room
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of balances
Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 13 Feb. 2026
Gregg Phillips, an associate administrator at FEMA, said at a hearing this week that its disaster relief fund has sufficient balances to continue emergency response activities during a shutdown, but would become seriously strained in the event of a catastrophic disaster.
—Mary Clare Jalonick, Chicago Tribune, 12 Feb. 2026
In this cake’s glaze a touch of tahini balances the sweetness of the powdered sugar.
—Faye Levy, Oc Register, 11 Feb. 2026
These practices included charging high interest rates under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, imposing unlawful charges to inflate balances, and compounding interest.
—Chase Jordan
february 11, Charlotte Observer, 11 Feb. 2026
Long-term impact Gregg Phillips, an associated administrator at FEMA, said its disaster relief fund has sufficient balances to continue emergency response activities during a shutdown, but would become seriously strained in the event of a catastrophic disaster.
—Kevin Freking, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
Credit card balances grew again in the final quarter of 2025, a new report shows.
—Matt Richardson, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
More Americans have seven-figure balances in 401(k) accounts, thanks to a surging stock market and rising retirement savings rates.
—Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 5 Feb. 2026
The transit agency last month told riders to spend down their accounts because balances would not transfer — an announcement that drew criticism from some riders.
—Sara Gregory, AJC.com, 5 Feb. 2026
Faye Levy, Oc Register, 11 Feb. 2026
Seekers of Infinite Love balances big laughs with big feelings, and the cast delivers in a way that makes the film both distinctive and relatable.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 11 Feb. 2026
Look for a soil that balances moisture, airflow, and structure.
—Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 11 Feb. 2026
The space feels more like New York, Chicago or Dallas than central Iowa, with dramatic lighting, an architectural wine wall, liquor lockers and an ambiance that balances cosmopolitan polish with Midwestern warmth.
—Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register, 11 Feb. 2026
The rich chocolate flavoring, enhanced with coffee, balances the light, fluffy buttercream frosting.
—Nellah Bailey McGough, Southern Living, 10 Feb. 2026
This contemporary restaurant carefully balances traditional Thai flavors with eye-catching, modern presentations.
—Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 7 Feb. 2026
The site has become a test case for how Dallas balances the interests of housing development, community trust and environmental risk.
—Dallas Morning News, 6 Feb. 2026
Grapeseed oil balances things out with omega-6 fatty acids and antioxidants that help protect skin from everyday environmental stressors, while meadowfoam seed oil helps lock everything in, leaving skin smoother, more supple, and radiant.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 5 Feb. 2026
Noun
Discover brought with it billions worth of credit card balances, which would be equally as impacted by an interest rate limit.
—Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 13 Feb. 2026
Gregg Phillips, an associate administrator at FEMA, said at a hearing this week that its disaster relief fund has sufficient balances to continue emergency response activities during a shutdown, but would become seriously strained in the event of a catastrophic disaster.
—Mary Clare Jalonick, Chicago Tribune, 12 Feb. 2026
In this cake’s glaze a touch of tahini balances the sweetness of the powdered sugar.
—Faye Levy, Oc Register, 11 Feb. 2026
These practices included charging high interest rates under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, imposing unlawful charges to inflate balances, and compounding interest.
—Chase Jordan
february 11, Charlotte Observer, 11 Feb. 2026
Long-term impact Gregg Phillips, an associated administrator at FEMA, said its disaster relief fund has sufficient balances to continue emergency response activities during a shutdown, but would become seriously strained in the event of a catastrophic disaster.
—Kevin Freking, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
Credit card balances grew again in the final quarter of 2025, a new report shows.
—Matt Richardson, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
More Americans have seven-figure balances in 401(k) accounts, thanks to a surging stock market and rising retirement savings rates.
—Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 5 Feb. 2026
The transit agency last month told riders to spend down their accounts because balances would not transfer — an announcement that drew criticism from some riders.
—Sara Gregory, AJC.com, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
Tahini’s bitterness balances the intense sweetness of dates, the traditional Ramadan break-the-fast food; stuffing dates with tahini is a Ramadan treat.
—Faye Levy, Oc Register, 11 Feb. 2026
Seekers of Infinite Love balances big laughs with big feelings, and the cast delivers in a way that makes the film both distinctive and relatable.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 11 Feb. 2026
Look for a soil that balances moisture, airflow, and structure.
—Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 11 Feb. 2026
The space feels more like New York, Chicago or Dallas than central Iowa, with dramatic lighting, an architectural wine wall, liquor lockers and an ambiance that balances cosmopolitan polish with Midwestern warmth.
—Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register, 11 Feb. 2026
The rich chocolate flavoring, enhanced with coffee, balances the light, fluffy buttercream frosting.
—Nellah Bailey McGough, Southern Living, 10 Feb. 2026
This contemporary restaurant carefully balances traditional Thai flavors with eye-catching, modern presentations.
—Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 7 Feb. 2026
The site has become a test case for how Dallas balances the interests of housing development, community trust and environmental risk.
—Dallas Morning News, 6 Feb. 2026
Grapeseed oil balances things out with omega-6 fatty acids and antioxidants that help protect skin from everyday environmental stressors, while meadowfoam seed oil helps lock everything in, leaving skin smoother, more supple, and radiant.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 5 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for balances
Noun
-
Not to mention that a more configurable setup—less custom code—will speed updates while lowering total ownership costs as the brand scales, according to Aptos.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Sourcing Journal,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Hacin works on designs of all scales and types, including commercial, residential, hospitality, and adaptive reuse projects, and the firm’s residential interiors range from an urban loft in Boston to a modern mountain home in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.—
Elizabeth Stamp,
Architectural Digest,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
To keep your plant happy and healthy, here’s the right way to water a spider plant to keep little offsets coming.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
3 Feb. 2026
-
The social cost of carbon is considered a more accurate accounting of harm from climate change than other calculations used as the basis of carbon credits or carbon offsets to travelers, according to Scripps.—
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
15 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Maybe three straight trips to the Stanley Cup Final and short, summer rests were just too much for their bodies to bear.—
Dave Hyde,
Sun Sentinel,
6 Feb. 2026
-
The ergonomic, curved frame provides extra comfort, while the drink holder and arm rests are ideal for relaxation.—
Shea Simmons,
PEOPLE,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Subsequent rulings expanded the assault on our electoral system, including Citizens United, which equates people to corporations — more nonsense.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Meghan Callahan, from the Empower Fans Coalition, a group that opposes the bill, equates this licensing change to taking a lease out on the ticket.—
Cerys Davies,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Trying to hold all of that in, trying to be the one who never falters is not sustainable.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 Feb. 2026
-
What never falters is the euphoric chaos of the experience.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Whoever leaves last probably pays.—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
11 Feb. 2026
-
An impressive wine list pays tribute to the late Melvyn Master, Waxman's esteemed sommelier and former partner (the restaurant’s name comes from Jonathan and Melvyn).—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Accessible by stairs or elevator, the expansive kitchen on the garden level is decked out with double islands featuring White Danby marble counters.—
Demetrius Simms,
Robb Report,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Wipe down any small appliances (don’t forget underneath), bottles or storage containers, or decorations on your counters to remove dust or grease buildup every week.—
Lauren Wicks,
Southern Living,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The dining table then attaches and adjusts in between those benches for outdoor dining.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
13 Feb. 2026
-
In this case, start with a small amount and increase gradually as your body adjusts.—
Merve Ceylan,
Health,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Balances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/balances. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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