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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of counterweight
The implication was that Sarah had manipulated Benedict into lending his name and moral authority to a book that had all the appearances of being a counterweight to Francis’ own teaching.
—
Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2025
But then, China is also in no position to challenge or provide a counterweight to the United States in the region.
—Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 6 July 2025
Indeed, China and Russia have been leading the effort to form steering groups, such as the BRICS, to serve as counterweights to the G-7 and other bodies dominated by the West.
—Charles A. Kupchan, Time, 14 June 2025
Francis, whose pontificate was a counterweight to the rise of nationalist populism, often found himself under fire from powerful conservative Catholic forces in the US.
—Lauren Said-Moorhouse, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterweight
Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2025
But then, China is also in no position to challenge or provide a counterweight to the United States in the region.
—Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 6 July 2025
Indeed, China and Russia have been leading the effort to form steering groups, such as the BRICS, to serve as counterweights to the G-7 and other bodies dominated by the West.
—Charles A. Kupchan, Time, 14 June 2025
Francis, whose pontificate was a counterweight to the rise of nationalist populism, often found himself under fire from powerful conservative Catholic forces in the US.
—Lauren Said-Moorhouse, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterweight
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterweight
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
Noun
-
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
-
Last fall, continuous glucose monitors became available over the counter.—
Jia Jung,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
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
-
Woods and Sweet Grass provide an earthy counterbalance for a set that makes an incredible gift, even for someone new to incense.—
Lauren Arzbaecher,
Architectural Digest,
28 Apr. 2025
-
The quiet presence of nature offers a counterbalance to digital intensity.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Counterweight.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterweight. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share