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
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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
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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
-
The uneasy equilibrium Russia had achieved was growing increasingly precarious.—
Nicole Grajewski,
Foreign Affairs,
28 Jan. 2025
-
This isn't Bruton's first self-balancing he's made, but this is the first time using equilibrium balls as wheels.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
25 Jan. 2025
Noun
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This would put it just behind a deal Microsoft struck with Brazilian investment bank BTG Pactual's forestry arm for 8 million carbon offset credits, which ranked as the largest such purchase to that date.—
Andrew Freedman,
Axios,
30 Jan. 2025
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Fully extending the act’s provisions without offsets might cost $5 trillion, an embarrassment to those who purport to care about fiscal discipline.—
Bloomberg Opinion,
Twin Cities,
16 Jan. 2025
Verb
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And so, even our mothers and grandmothers might stand corrected on their makeup techniques.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
30 Jan. 2025
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This article has been updated to correct the spelling of Lily Zhang’s name.—
Jessica Golden,
CNBC,
29 Jan. 2025
Noun
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On the way out, lean your head over the pharmacy counter and say hi to Harrel’s grandson, pharmacist Nick Harrel III, who heads the operation today.—
Pam LeBlanc,
Southern Living,
26 Jan. 2025
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On the counter: The USDA recommends storing butter at room temperature no longer than 1 or 2 days.—
Annie Peterson,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The strategy is clear: Secure allies, neutralize threats, and lock in legislative wins that will define the industry’s future.—
MacKenzie Sigalos,
CNBC,
30 Jan. 2025
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That’s all thanks to the red light therapy, which has been shown to neutralize acne-causing bacteria and boost collagen and elastin — two things that keep skin supple.—
R29 Team,
refinery29.com,
29 Jan. 2025
Noun
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These personalities often seek balance, tranquility, and peace.—
Cori Sears,
Better Homes & Gardens,
1 Feb. 2025
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Besides that, there are plenty of balance changes coming to Fortnite Ballistic, including updates on how the Hammer Pump Shotgun, Frenzy Auto Shotgun, and Reaper Sniper Rifle handle.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
31 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Despite these denials, the alliance between the two nations is increasingly viewed as a counterweight to Western influence in the region and beyond.—
Yaakov Katz,
Newsweek,
17 Jan. 2025
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Intended as a counterweight to NATO, the organization is based on a principle that an attack against one member should be perceived as an attack against all.—
Ivan Nechepurenko,
New York Times,
17 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near counterpoise
Cite this Entry
“Counterpoise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterpoise. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.
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