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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However, even with increasing emissions, the largest companies should be able to afford enough renewable energy and offsets to meet carbon-neutral goals.—
Tammy Webber,
Fortune,
29 Mar. 2026
-
However, even with increasing emissions, the largest companies should be able to afford enough renewable energy and offsets to meet carbon-neutral goals.—
Tammy Webber,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Sometimes the strength part neutralizes his athleticism and neutralizes his skills.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Especially because the historicization does something to Martin’s writing, tossing in a saccharine element that neutralizes some of his humor.—
Emma Alpern,
Vulture,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Miami has no shortage of options, from the ramen shops and food halls in the Wynwood Business Improvement District to sushi counters along South Beach.—
Lauren Schuster,
Miami Herald,
3 Apr. 2026
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No matter the size, the decor is all Old World luxury—brocade upholstery, crystal lamp bases, and marble counters.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
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In this scenario, stripped of high-paying salaries, prime borrowers default and tank the $13 trillion residential mortgage market, unemployment spikes above 10%, the stock market corrects down 38%, and the economy collapses into a deflationary spiral.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
28 Feb. 2026
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The answer is a combination of ingredients that corrects, prevents, and protects—not to mention the affordable price point.—
Erika Reals,
InStyle,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Borrowers closed out 2025 with a record-high amount of household debt, with credit card balances accounting for a hefty portion of it.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
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Filers aren’t required to report bank balances and primary residences — exactly the kinds of assets that constitute most people’s wealth.—
Alyce McFadden,
San Francisco Chronicle,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Benadryl Extra-Strength Anti-Itch Cooling Spray counteracts the burning sensation with a cooling one.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Mar. 2026
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This serum purportedly counteracts that, working to de-age the scalp, thus thickening and strengthening strands.—
Tamim Alnuweiri,
InStyle,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The laws of armed conflict allow attacks on civilian infrastructure such as energy plants only if the military advantage outweighs the civilian harm, legal scholars say.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
30 Mar. 2026
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PBHs have also been considered as a possible constituent of dark matter, the invisible matter permeating the universe that outweighs normal matter by a factor of about five.—
Phil Plait,
Scientific American,
27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Counterbalances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterbalances. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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