1
as in equilibrium
a condition in which opposing forces are equal to one another
when participating in any dangerous sport, one should maintain an equipoise between fearless boldness and commonsense caution
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
her frugality is a much-needed equipoise to her husband's spendthrift ways
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in to balance
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of equipoise
Timothy Naftali, Foreign Affairs, 29 Jan. 2020
One of the current Bonapartist pretenders—there are two, with different lineage—the Prince Murat, a descendant of Napoleon’s brother-in-law, was so offended by this that he was moved to write indignantly in Le Figaro on behalf of the Emperor’s erotic equipoise.
—Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 30 Nov. 2023
WSJ, 3 Jan. 2022
See All Example Sentences for equipoise
Noun
In 2016, Americans elected a leader who rejected the very notion of an international system that relies on the United States to maintain equipoise.
—Timothy Naftali, Foreign Affairs, 29 Jan. 2020
One of the current Bonapartist pretenders—there are two, with different lineage—the Prince Murat, a descendant of Napoleon’s brother-in-law, was so offended by this that he was moved to write indignantly in Le Figaro on behalf of the Emperor’s erotic equipoise.
—Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 30 Nov. 2023
Verb
The authors do a great job demonstrating that allowing respect for autonomy has, at a minimum, equipoise with the authoritarian approach, if not superiority, when considering a range of measures of health and happiness.
—WSJ, 3 Jan. 2022
See All Example Sentences for equipoise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equipoise
Noun
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Our task today is to preserve whatever equilibrium is left and restore what has been destroyed.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
21 Apr. 2025
-
To achieve a happy equilibrium, collaboration is required — as Newcastle fans will be painstakingly reminded over the coming months.—
Chris Waugh,
New York Times,
7 Apr. 2025
Noun
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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
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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
Verb
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Managing brand deals, taxes, and public image is a big responsibility for teenagers still balancing school and life.—
Dr. Diane Hamilton,
Forbes.com,
27 Apr. 2025
-
The aim is to balance cost-saving synergies, with a goal of saving $500 million annually, and avoid homogenization that could dilute the chains’ luxury appeal.—
Arthur Zaczkiewicz,
Footwear News,
25 Apr. 2025
Noun
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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
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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
Verb
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Meanwhile equalizing per-pupil financing has undergone revision because the needs of students vary so widely.—
Dan Walters,
Mercury News,
15 Apr. 2025
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If the optimal progress and benefit to society is to be realized, then self-interest needs to be checked with equalizing policy that limits the chances of any one entity being both the creator and arbiter.—
Hessie Jones,
Forbes.com,
13 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Not allowing enough time to equilibrate The most accurate results are obtained after sitting in a low-stress environment for five minutes, Serwer noted.—
Melissa Rudy,
Fox News,
12 Jan. 2025
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But in that case, wouldn’t people from low-income areas just overflow to their empty beds, and then the system would equilibrate?—
Renee Hsia,
Forbes,
19 Sep. 2024
Verb
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As the fireline is constructed, inspected or reinforced, mappers record those details to adjust the containment percentage.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
27 Apr. 2025
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Why Milwaukee could win: Friday night, the Bucks adjusted.—
Hannah Vanbiber,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Equipoise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equipoise. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
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