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
That implies that just as federalism guards against the tyranny made possible through overt centralization, federalism also has counterweights to prevent individual state governments from wrecking the whole.
—
Jenna Bednar, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2024
In 1846, scientists had observed irregularities in Uranus’ orbit, as if an invisible counterweight were tugging on the planet from the far side.
—Shi En Kim, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Nov. 2024
Even as the grouping attracts growing interest as a political and economic counterweight to the West, tensions are simmering over its direction and influence.
—Henry Meyer, TIME, 22 Oct. 2024
The Soviet Union, for decades the great counterweight to the West, seemed like an immovable force.
—Martin Gutmann, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterweight
Jenna Bednar, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2024
In 1846, scientists had observed irregularities in Uranus’ orbit, as if an invisible counterweight were tugging on the planet from the far side.
—Shi En Kim, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Nov. 2024
Even as the grouping attracts growing interest as a political and economic counterweight to the West, tensions are simmering over its direction and influence.
—Henry Meyer, TIME, 22 Oct. 2024
The Soviet Union, for decades the great counterweight to the West, seemed like an immovable force.
—Martin Gutmann, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterweight
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterweight
Noun
-
Even an accounting measure preferred by the Senate Republicans, which would count the 2017 tax breaks as current policy rather than a new one requiring an offset, still comes up short for covering the full price tag of the new package, which could swell beyond $5 trillion over 10 years.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
27 Apr. 2025
-
Check out these suggestions, each of which, if multiplied by others, can help subdue climate change: Choose airlines that offer carbon offset programs.—
Lea Lane,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
When Garza went inside the store and took at least one lighter from the counter, the clerk came outside armed with a handgun to confront Garza, who crouched by the puddle of kerosene and either threatened to light it or attempted to light it, Hodges said.—
Grant Lancaster,
Arkansas Online,
22 Apr. 2025
-
Pharmacy counters will be closed at Rite Aid on Easter but the retail portion of their stores will be open regular hours, a company spokesperson told USA TODAY.—
Gabe Hauari,
USA Today,
20 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The soon-to-be 23-year-old displayed impressive contact balance and routinely churned out additional yards after being hit, but his workload in college (879 carries in five years) raises questions about his long-term outlook in the NFL. 191.—
James Boyd,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2025
-
On balance this leads to a more stable, efficient, cheaper, and cleaner power grid.—
Umair Irfan,
Wired News,
26 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
When external factors create pressure, internal purpose becomes the counterbalance that keeps people engaged.—
Roberta Matuson,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
-
The 42-millimeter design is an update of Bremont’s MB series, its most celebrated watch, and retains the three-tier Trip-Tick case and inner rotating bezel of earlier models, as well as the looped ejection pull handle look of the counterbalance on the seconds hand.—
Robin Swithinbank,
New York Times,
7 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Counterweight.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterweight. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share