1
as in equilibrium
a condition in which opposing forces are equal to one another
a musical piece with a counterpoise of loud and soft passages
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in offset
a force or influence that makes an opposing force ineffective or less effective
the happiness brought by a new baby was a timely counterpoise to the grief occasioned by a death in the family
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in to offset
to balance with an equal force so as to make ineffective
her overall healthiness largely counterpoised the virulence of the infection
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of counterpoise
Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2023
What’s most remarkable about Torruella’s film is its counterpoise between the sense of raging injustice and the island’s mystic stillness.
—Amada Torruella, The New Yorker, 27 Sep. 2023
Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2023
Conflicts of interest are objective situations that arise when a person’s financial interests can be counterpoised to their public responsibilities.
—Matthew Yglesias, Vox, 29 Nov. 2018
Noun
Molina, the embodiment of theatrical excellence, is perfectly cast as the rational counterpoise to Brady’s zealotry.
—Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2023
What’s most remarkable about Torruella’s film is its counterpoise between the sense of raging injustice and the island’s mystic stillness.
—Amada Torruella, The New Yorker, 27 Sep. 2023
Verb
Indeed, the Western, that peculiarly American contribution to the world’s store of epic and saga, often depends on the tale of a defeated Confederate at large to enforce virtue, someone whose heroic individualism is counterpoised with the superficial discipline of the federal troops.
—Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2023
Conflicts of interest are objective situations that arise when a person’s financial interests can be counterpoised to their public responsibilities.
—Matthew Yglesias, Vox, 29 Nov. 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterpoise
Noun
-
Rather than aiming for a constant fixed equilibrium, dynamic leadership is about ongoing adjustments.—
IESE Business School,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
-
His ostentatious well-being is scorned by Walker, who equates equilibrium with compromise.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
8 July 2025
Noun
-
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
-
Banana plants propagate vegetatively by offsets that grow up from their base with masses of leaves.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
25 July 2025
Verb
-
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
-
This story was updated to correct a misspelled name.—
David Clarey,
jsonline.com,
29 July 2025
Noun
-
Last fall, continuous glucose monitors became available over the counter.—
Jia Jung,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 July 2025
-
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
Verb
-
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
-
The acidity in vinegar helps break down mineral deposits and naturally neutralizes odors.—
Nicole Letts,
Southern Living,
29 July 2025
Noun
-
For men, loafers or espadrilles provide the perfect balance of sophistication and comfort.—
Pooja Shah,
Forbes.com,
31 July 2025
-
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
Noun
-
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
-
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
“Counterpoise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterpoise. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.
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