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
Robin Swithinbank, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
After all, that counterbalance was central to the dreams of the founders.
—Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2025
Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
Those feelings counterbalance the rewarding and addictive properties of food.
—Larry Olmsted, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterbalance
Noun
The 42-millimeter design is an update of Bremont’s MB series, its most celebrated watch, and retains the three-tier Trip-Tick case and inner rotating bezel of earlier models, as well as the looped ejection pull handle look of the counterbalance on the seconds hand.
—Robin Swithinbank, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
After all, that counterbalance was central to the dreams of the founders.
—Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
Alongside Israel, the U.S. has deepened its alliances with Gulf Arab states—Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Bahrain—through strategic partnerships that counterbalance Iran's growing regional influence.
—Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
Those feelings counterbalance the rewarding and addictive properties of food.
—Larry Olmsted, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterbalance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterbalance
Noun
-
With a goal of achieving absolute zero emissions in airport operations by 2035 — no offsets, just real reductions — the facility is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in airports, while continuing to explore how to support and accelerate the wider aviation transition.—
Christopher Elliott,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2025
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Assume further that, without the offset, the monthly spousal Social Security benefit would have been $250.—
Elliot Raphaelson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
13 June 2025
Verb
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Ukraine's air force said Russia launched 85 drones and one missile into the country overnight, of which 49 drones were shot down or otherwise neutralized.—
David Brennan,
ABC News,
11 June 2025
-
Frederiksen has a broader support base than many as a Social Democrat whose tough immigration policies have helped neutralize support for the far-right.—
Matthew Tostevin,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 June 2025
Noun
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This watch has a brown leather strap with off-white stitching and a striking green matte finish dial, complemented by a seconds’ counter at the 9 o’clock position and a red hand.—
Laia Farran Graves,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
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These space-saving magnetic racks can be attached to your fridge to keep your counter free of clutter.—
Nora Colomer
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
7 June 2025
Verb
-
That misunderstanding was corrected in short order and chalked up to a learning experience.—
Jake Goodrick,
Sacbee.com,
8 June 2025
-
Most violations were corrected during the inspection.—
Evan Moore,
Charlotte Observer,
6 June 2025
Noun
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That balance of old and young spirits yields a palate that leads with sweet vanilla and cherry notes and ends with baking spice and ripe apple, a must try for Japanese-whisky fans.—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
13 June 2025
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After Appeals Court Pauses Ruling While the bolster gives support and balance to the knife, the lightness of the bolster-free Japanese knives offers ergonomic benefits.—
Akiko Katayama,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2025
Noun
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In all, the news formed a sobering and immediate counterweight to investors’ hopes of just hours ago.—
Catherine Baab,
Quartz,
29 May 2025
-
Her footwear — pointed-toe suede stilettos — offered a matte counterweight to the dress’s high-shine finish, maintaining the overall monochrome palette while introducing a subtle shift in texture.—
Maggie Clancy,
Footwear News,
24 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Counterbalance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterbalance. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.
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