counterbalance 1 of 2

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

counterbalance

2 of 2

verb

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 counterbalance
Noun
Coyle, 33, is the right-shot center the Blue Jackets were seeking this summer, a counterbalance to the three left-handed centers — Sean Monahan, Adam Fantilli and Cole Sillinger — already in the Columbus lineup. Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 28 June 2025 The quiet presence of nature offers a counterbalance to digital intensity. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
Verb
The board appointed Mark Goines as lead independent director to counterbalance the new structure. Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 12 Aug. 2025 This acts as a third anchor to counterbalance the pull of the wind. Francesca Krempa, Travel + Leisure, 9 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for counterbalance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterbalance
Noun
  • Thanks to such voodoo carbon accounting, sellers of forest carbon offsets elsewhere are having to refund buyers due to unmet growth projections.
    John P. O’Brien, Mercury News, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Simply pinch off any offset or irregular branches with your fingers or garden snips so that the plant has a more rounded appearance.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • His studio team appreciates how subtle soft pink/white crystal lighting neutralizes the green of the glass.
    Natasha Gural, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Wyoming linebackers Evan Eller and Brayden Johnson will need to be neutralized for CU to find some rhythm on the ground this week.
    Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 19 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Given City’s soft centre has come from a failure to cope with counter-attacks and a lack of pace to defend in a high line, Khusanov may just be the blunt force antidote Guardiola needs.
    Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
  • An available 138-L compressor drawer fridge with 12-L freezer takes up the bulk of the under-counter foundation, providing loads of space for perishables.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In June 2024, the district ordered Tesla to correct ongoing violations of toxic air pollution coming from the factory’s paint shops, allegations the company denied.
    Taylor Kate Brown, ProPublica, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Course-correcting a technical process is like truing a wheel.
    Barbara Wittmann, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Nonetheless, with policy in restrictive territory, the baseline outlook and the shifting balance of risks may warrant adjusting our policy stance.
    Adeola Adeosun Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
  • The result is a fragrance that strikes the right balance between clean and confectionery, with a softness that’s like being wrapped in a cashmere blanket.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The 2025 College Rankings from Washington Monthly offer a corrective.
    Bruno V. Manno, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025
  • That makes Leo’s ascension well timed to offer a corrective.
    Mike Burbach, Twin Cities, 15 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The aim of Turning Point was to engage young Republicans and serve as a counterweight to liberal groups.
    Michael Collins, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Kirk and the businessman, William Montgomery, would start Turning Point USA with the aim of engaging young Republicans, a counterweight to liberal groups.
    Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 11 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Counterbalance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterbalance. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on counterbalance

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!