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
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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
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Individuals employed by the government in jobs which were not covered by Social Security previously could not collect Social Security upon retirement because of the offset of their public pension against Social Security to prevent a windfall.—
Wendy Hickey,
Boston Herald,
13 Apr. 2025
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That process may be referred to as offsetting the payment, administrative offset, or offset.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes,
21 Mar. 2025
Noun
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And the long stainless steel counter can double as a wipe-clean work bench for wrenching on bike components.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
8 Apr. 2025
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These counter measures were imposed on the U.S. by Canada, Cuba, Mexico, France, Italy, Spain, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, and Switzerland.—
Mike Patton,
Forbes.com,
7 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The white flowers also provide a balance to the golden design.—
Celeste Polanco,
Essence,
14 Apr. 2025
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Interest begins accruing the day after the tax deadline on any unpaid balance.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Trump’s accession to the White House has removed this counterbalance.—
Amos Harel,
Foreign Affairs,
7 Apr. 2025
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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
Cite this Entry
“Counterweight.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterweight. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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