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
Amos Harel, Foreign Affairs, 7 Apr. 2025
The American military presence in Asia is seen by allies as a critical counterbalance in a fractious region where China has been rapidly expanding its military might and a belligerent North Korea has been empowered by closer ties with Russia.
—Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2025
Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Apr. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for counterbalance
Noun
Trump’s accession to the White House has removed this counterbalance.
—Amos Harel, Foreign Affairs, 7 Apr. 2025
The American military presence in Asia is seen by allies as a critical counterbalance in a fractious region where China has been rapidly expanding its military might and a belligerent North Korea has been empowered by closer ties with Russia.
—Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2025
Verb
This move is a direct response to President Trump's actions, aiming to counterbalance the trade measures.
—Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Apr. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for counterbalance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterbalance
Noun
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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
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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
Verb
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To stay ahead, retailers must adopt cutting-edge security solutions that detect and neutralize threats in real time.—
Jason James,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
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Need to neutralize your psycho (like, literally, not just complaining over margs with the girls) ex-husband?—
Sara Netzley,
EW.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Noun
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When Garza went inside the store and took at least one lighter from the counter, the clerk came outside armed with a handgun to confront Garza, who crouched by the puddle of kerosene and either threatened to light it or attempted to light it, Hodges said.—
Grant Lancaster,
Arkansas Online,
22 Apr. 2025
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Pharmacy counters will be closed at Rite Aid on Easter but the retail portion of their stores will be open regular hours, a company spokesperson told USA TODAY.—
Gabe Hauari,
USA Today,
20 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The images, which claim to show images of the iPhone 17 Pro in four different cases were labelled iPhone 16 Pro in the first post, but later corrected.—
David Phelan,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
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If the person does not correct the behavior, Whitmore suggested alerting a flight attendant.—
Ashley J. DiMella Fox News,
FOXNews.com,
23 Apr. 2025
Noun
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On balance this leads to a more stable, efficient, cheaper, and cleaner power grid.—
Umair Irfan,
Wired News,
26 Apr. 2025
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All in-tire installations include free roadside assistance and road hazard protection for four years as well as lifetime tire balance, rotation, and flat repair.—
Jenna Sims,
Southern Living,
26 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
-
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 2 May. 2025.
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