as in offset
a force or influence that makes an opposing force ineffective or less effective
charitable giving is usually a good counterbalance to the self-indulgent commercialism of the Christmas season
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
as in to offset
to balance with an equal force so as to make ineffective
a hearty dinner might counterbalance missing lunch
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of counterbalance
Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2025
Four key areas of action are high priorities: First, promote U.S. competitiveness interests globally and counterbalance China’s geostrategy.
—Deborah Wince-Smith, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Dan Neely, Deadline, 18 Feb. 2025
The United States and its allies still have a chance to counterbalance China’s and Russia’s expanding influence over the nuclear energy sector.
—Juzel Lloyd, Foreign Affairs, 28 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterbalance
Noun
After all, that counterbalance was central to the dreams of the founders.
—Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2025
Four key areas of action are high priorities: First, promote U.S. competitiveness interests globally and counterbalance China’s geostrategy.
—Deborah Wince-Smith, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
Leading talent, like Johansson, have important voices and critical leverage to counterbalance the influence of the biggest tech platforms.
—Dan Neely, Deadline, 18 Feb. 2025
The United States and its allies still have a chance to counterbalance China’s and Russia’s expanding influence over the nuclear energy sector.
—Juzel Lloyd, Foreign Affairs, 28 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterbalance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterbalance
Noun
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The 15% offset is calculated from your total benefit amount before any deductions, such as your Medicare premium, Kantrowitz said.—
Annie Nova,
CNBC,
1 June 2025
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The Joint Committee on Taxation, the official revenue scorer for Congress, estimates the tax components will add $3.7 trillion to the deficit over the next decade after offsets are calculated.—
Elizabeth Crisp,
The Hill,
25 May 2025
Verb
-
The video showed soldiers being instructed on firing grenade launchers, neutralizing enemy drones and clearing trenches.—
Isabel van Brugen,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 May 2025
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On May 26 alone, Ukraine’s Air Force intercepted nine cruise missiles and neutralized 288 of the 355 incoming drones, a record number deployed in single attack to date.—
Katya Soldak,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
Noun
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Hodges and Cruz were waiting in the sandwich line at the deli counter at Joe’s Grocery, on Lenox Ave.—
Thomas Tracy,
New York Daily News,
30 May 2025
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As a result, a buyer could purchase Thrifty and continue distributing the ice cream to grocery chains and at ice cream counters.—
Hugh Cameron,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 May 2025
Verb
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This story was changed to correct the address of TheaterWorks Hartford and to update changes in the performance schedule.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
30 May 2025
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This story was updated to correct a typo in Mandi Jung's name.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 May 2025
Noun
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Spain's housing crisis highlights the delicate balance between tourism and residents, particularly in popular tourist destinations.—
Alex Ledsom,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2025
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The record-setting balances, on their own, weren’t necessarily a troublesome indicator.—
Alicia Wallace,
CNN Money,
1 June 2025
Noun
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In all, the news formed a sobering and immediate counterweight to investors’ hopes of just hours ago.—
Catherine Baab,
Quartz,
29 May 2025
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Her footwear — pointed-toe suede stilettos — offered a matte counterweight to the dress’s high-shine finish, maintaining the overall monochrome palette while introducing a subtle shift in texture.—
Maggie Clancy,
Footwear News,
24 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Counterbalance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterbalance. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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