as in offsets
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 neutralizes
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 counterbalances
David Goldman, CNN Money, 4 Feb. 2026
The pastel counterbalances the darker and mid-tones in the forecast.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 16 Sep. 2025
The book counterbalances the weirdo factor with multiple heartwarming Disney Adult interviews, including one with an amputee who achieved a running goal at a Disney race and another in which a woman reprioritized, choosing a church mission trip instead of financing another Disney World adventure.
—Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2025
Verb
That uncertainty and rise in unemployment tends to fuel a near-term dip in demand for goods, which counterbalances the price increases from tariffs.
—David Goldman, CNN Money, 4 Feb. 2026
The pastel counterbalances the darker and mid-tones in the forecast.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 16 Sep. 2025
The book counterbalances the weirdo factor with multiple heartwarming Disney Adult interviews, including one with an amputee who achieved a running goal at a Disney race and another in which a woman reprioritized, choosing a church mission trip instead of financing another Disney World adventure.
—Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterbalances
Noun
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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
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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
Verb
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The acidic content in vinegar breaks down mineral deposits, hard water stains, and buildup and neutralizes odors.—
Maria Sabella,
The Spruce,
8 Feb. 2026
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At the same time, the fabric softener on dryer sheets neutralizes the static cling that is attracting dust and debris.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
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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
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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
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If your return has a simple math error or a mismatch with income the IRS already has on file (like a missing 1099), the IRS often corrects it automatically and sends you a notice explaining the change.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
9 Feb. 2026
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The fourth-wall-breaking commercial starts with Osbourne filming a Super Bowl commercial about a 4G phone when the director corrects him and tells him that the new version is a 5G.—
Jason Pham,
StyleCaster,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
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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
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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
Verb
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Fabric softener counteracts those negative charges, neutralizing them.—
Jolie Kerr,
Better Homes & Gardens,
1 Feb. 2026
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However, orthopedic surgeons explain that the amount of sugar in the beverage actually counteracts those bone-supporting benefits.—
Vanessa Etienne,
PEOPLE,
25 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Experts said that, in most cases, cardiovascular protection outweighs any potential risks.—
Jenna Anderson,
Health,
5 Feb. 2026
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According to Buddhist worldviews, people are reborn in the hells when their bad karma severely outweighs their good karma.—
Megan Bryson,
The Conversation,
5 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Counterbalances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterbalances. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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