as in cargoes
heavy material (such as rocks or water) that is put on a ship to make it steady or on a balloon to control its height in the air
—often used figuratively
A large amount of ballast kept the boat from capsizing. She provided the ballast the family needed in times of stress.
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ballasts
Noun
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The downtown/uptown vibe of the models going from cargos to slip crystal dresses brought the Dolce & Gabbana glamour to the streets with a full-on dance party.—
Luisa Zargani,
WWD,
2 Mar. 2025 -
Since the reduction of Russian gas supplies to Europe, many nations have turned to LNG imports to fill the gap, creating intense competition for available cargoes.—
Robert Rapier,
Forbes,
2 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Both rockets released their payloads—think ion guages, magnetometers, and vapor chasers; the latter released colorful puffs of gas—during an auroral substorm.—
Michael D'Estries,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Apr. 2025
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The Falcon 9's upper stage, meanwhile, continued its ascent into LEO with its 27 payloads.—
Josh Dinner,
Space.com,
7 Apr. 2025
Noun
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For the families receiving the tiny homes, these initiatives alleviate some immediate burdens, providing shelter and reducing stress against the backdrop of destruction.—
Alex Harrington,
Newsweek,
26 Dec. 2024
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Your contribution will help alleviate some of the financial burdens, allowing the family to focus on grieving, healing, and seeking justice.—
Tom Rogers,
Newsweek,
26 Dec. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Ballasts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ballasts. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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