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
Joe Reid, Vulture, 12 June 2025
On a long album full of romantic vitriol and emotional desolation, songs in this mode provide brief eruptions of uplift — a necessary counterbalance.
—Elias Leight, Billboard, 28 May 2025
Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 6 June 2025
As India has grown to become the world’s fourth-largest economy, it has been courted by the United States and its allies as a geopolitical partner in counterbalancing China and as an investment destination.
—Mujib Mashal, New York Times, 18 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterbalance
Noun
As the voice of Rex, Norton doesn’t have a ton of narrative weight to bear, but as the more eagerly helpful counterbalance to the nihilistic Chief, Norton’s chipper intonations set the right tone.
43.
—Joe Reid, Vulture, 12 June 2025
On a long album full of romantic vitriol and emotional desolation, songs in this mode provide brief eruptions of uplift — a necessary counterbalance.
—Elias Leight, Billboard, 28 May 2025
Verb
The Life of Chuck explores the joys and sorrows of a life well lived in the most precious way—though Hiddleston and Ejiofor succeed somewhat in counterbalancing the mawkishness.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 6 June 2025
As India has grown to become the world’s fourth-largest economy, it has been courted by the United States and its allies as a geopolitical partner in counterbalancing China and as an investment destination.
—Mujib Mashal, New York Times, 18 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterbalance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterbalance
Noun
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Federal debts that might trigger offsets include federal income tax delinquencies, student loan defaults, and SSA overpayments.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
2 Aug. 2025
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Banana plants propagate vegetatively by offsets that grow up from their base with masses of leaves.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
25 July 2025
Verb
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The acidity in vinegar helps break down mineral deposits and naturally neutralizes odors.—
Nicole Letts,
Southern Living,
29 July 2025
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There are 42 other universal vaccine candidates that are being tested in clinical trials, including seven that are designed to neutralize both flu and COVID.—
Claire Bugos,
Verywell Health,
29 July 2025
Noun
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Examples of these newer antihistamines include: Oral decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine, which is typically found behind the counter.—
Karen Berger,
Verywell Health,
29 July 2025
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Last fall, continuous glucose monitors became available over the counter.—
Jia Jung,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 July 2025
Verb
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This article has been updated to reflect that Perry is in his sixth term, to correct the name of the Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs.—
Bayliss Wagner,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
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This story was updated to correct a misspelled name.—
David Clarey,
jsonline.com,
29 July 2025
Noun
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Sonia’s presence quickly upends the fragile balance within the household, further destabilizing Silvia’s world.—
Anna Marie de la Fuente,
Variety,
31 July 2025
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The ways that chia seeds can lower blood pressure include promoting mineral balance and improving heart function.1 Another way chia seeds lower blood pressure is through a mechanism similar to that of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, a class of blood pressure medications.—
Heidi Moawad,
Verywell Health,
31 July 2025
Noun
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Such attention to nuance provides a critical counterweight to the fragmented, often hyperpartisan news bubbles that pervade cable news and social media.—
Stephanie A,
The Conversation,
21 July 2025
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First imposed in 1862 but allowed to lapse a decade later in the face of elite opposition, the income tax had served as a progressive counterweight to an array of regressive consumption taxes, including high tariffs and a wide array of excises.—
Joseph Thorndike,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Counterbalance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterbalance. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.
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