as in offset
a force or influence that makes an opposing force ineffective or less effective
hard work can often be a counterweight to modest intelligence
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Recent Examples of counterweight
The Southeast Asian country has sought to carefully balance its relationship with neighboring superpower China—its largest trade partner—and the United States, a major trade partner and strategic counterweight to Beijing in the region.
—
Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025
This launched a counterweight backward at the same time as the projectile is fired forward, a technique which Moss dates back to the 1910s and the recoilless guns developed by Commander Cleland Davis of the U.S. Navy.
—David Hambling, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
And Taiwan's democracy serves as a counterweight to the rising authoritarianism of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
—Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 May 2025
Caught between these poles is Europe, once seen as a potential counterweight to the power of Big Tech.
—Ian Bremmer, Foreign Affairs, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterweight
Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025
This launched a counterweight backward at the same time as the projectile is fired forward, a technique which Moss dates back to the 1910s and the recoilless guns developed by Commander Cleland Davis of the U.S. Navy.
—David Hambling, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
And Taiwan's democracy serves as a counterweight to the rising authoritarianism of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
—Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 May 2025
Caught between these poles is Europe, once seen as a potential counterweight to the power of Big Tech.
—Ian Bremmer, Foreign Affairs, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterweight
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterweight
Noun
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With a goal of achieving absolute zero emissions in airport operations by 2035 — no offsets, just real reductions — the facility is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in airports, while continuing to explore how to support and accelerate the wider aviation transition.—
Christopher Elliott,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2025
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Assume further that, without the offset, the monthly spousal Social Security benefit would have been $250.—
Elliot Raphaelson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
13 June 2025
Noun
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This watch has a brown leather strap with off-white stitching and a striking green matte finish dial, complemented by a seconds’ counter at the 9 o’clock position and a red hand.—
Laia Farran Graves,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
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These space-saving magnetic racks can be attached to your fridge to keep your counter free of clutter.—
Nora Colomer
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
7 June 2025
Noun
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After Appeals Court Pauses Ruling While the bolster gives support and balance to the knife, the lightness of the bolster-free Japanese knives offers ergonomic benefits.—
Akiko Katayama,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2025
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That balance of old and young spirits yields a palate that leads with sweet vanilla and cherry notes and ends with baking spice and ripe apple, a must try for Japanese-whisky fans.—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
13 June 2025
Noun
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The higher fat content is a nice counterbalance to the richness of the tea and spices, but also lends the drink a better, less watery consistency.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
13 June 2025
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Go in knowing what feels conversationally off-limits to you, and work on cultivating other friendships that align with your values as a counterbalance.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Mercury News,
30 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Counterweight.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterweight. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.
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