coun·ter·bal·ance
ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌba-lən(t)s 
ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈba-
1
: a weight that balances another
2
: a force or influence that offsets or checks an opposing force
coun·ter·bal·ance
ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈba-lən(t)s
ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌba-
counterbalanced; counterbalancing; counterbalances
1
: to oppose or balance with an equal weight or force
2
: to equip with counterbalances
Synonyms
Examples of counterbalance in a Sentence
Noun
charitable giving is usually a good counterbalance to the self-indulgent commercialism of the Christmas season
Verb
The author's wry humor counterbalances the book's serious subject matter.
a hearty dinner might counterbalance missing lunch
Recent Examples on the Web
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
However, the image of the candidate smiling ecstatically while savagely ripping into her opponent now provides a welcome counterbalance to the apocalyptic vibes of late.
—Joe Berkowitz, Vulture, 3 Nov. 2024
Abhay Gupta, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
Wells Fargo predicts that Boeing will have to sell between $10 and $15 billion in new stock to counterbalance the severe losses from 33,000 workers being on strike for weeks.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for counterbalance 
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Noun
Uncertainty over election results, which may take days to finalize, added to market jitters, while hopes for a rate cut from the Fed provided a counterbalance.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
However, the image of the candidate smiling ecstatically while savagely ripping into her opponent now provides a welcome counterbalance to the apocalyptic vibes of late.
—Joe Berkowitz, Vulture, 3 Nov. 2024
Verb
Now, grid planners can build a comprehensive strategy that includes alternative solutions like renewable energy generation to counterbalance a data center's demand growth.
—Abhay Gupta, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
Wells Fargo predicts that Boeing will have to sell between $10 and $15 billion in new stock to counterbalance the severe losses from 33,000 workers being on strike for weeks.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for counterbalance
Dictionary Entries Near counterbalance
Cite this Entry
“Counterbalance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterbalance. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
counterbalance
1 of 2 noun
coun·ter·bal·ance
ˈkau̇nt-ər-ˌbal-ən(t)s
ˌkau̇nt-ər-ˈbal-
1
: a weight that balances another
2
: a force or influence that checks an opposing force
counterbalance
2 of 2 verb
: to oppose or balance with an equal weight or force
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