counterbalance

1 of 2

noun

coun·ter·bal·ance ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌba-lən(t)s

ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈba-

: a weight that balances another

: a force or influence that offsets or checks an opposing force

counterbalance

2 of 2

verb

coun·ter·bal·ance ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈba-lən(t)s

ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌba-

counterbalanced; counterbalancing; counterbalances

transitive verb

: to oppose or balance with an equal weight or force

: to equip with counterbalances

Example Sentences

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

Noun

Cambodia’s strategic position along the South China Sea and views it as a counterbalance to Vietnam, a historical adversary.

David Pierson, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2022 One way to provide this upward-pushing force would be to use a lever with a counterbalance.

Wired, 31 July 2022 In this case, honey, whether in dehydrated or viscous form, provides much of the counterbalance, and it’s the underlying tension/harmony between these flavors that makes Sonderman’s food so memorable.

Tim Carman, Washington Post, 5 July 2022 The new film provides a handy counterbalance on every level.

Darren Franich, EW.com, 10 Mar. 2022 Bonds usually rise when stocks fall, which is why they’re often used as a counterbalance to stocks in a portfolio.

Medora Lee, USA TODAY, 22 Sep. 2022 In both the comic and TV show, Death's charm is an important counterbalance to Dream's gloom.

Christian Holub, EW.com, 19 July 2022 China policy is leveraging the U.S.’s extensive alliance network as a counterbalance to Beijing.

Charles Hutzler, WSJ, 5 Aug. 2022 His comments came as the US redoubles efforts to strengthen its relationships with Pacific nations as a counterbalance to China, which is trying to expand its presence and influence in the region.

Lolita C. Baldor, BostonGlobe.com, 24 July 2022

Verb

This colorful side from chef Chris Cosentino, who recently opened his newest restaurant Jackrabbit in Portland's The Duniway hotel, gets a dose of sweetness from roasted dates and will counterbalance the rich dishes on your Thanksgiving table.

People Staff, Peoplemag, 17 Nov. 2022 Bonds have failed to counterbalance stock losses recently, yet that likely is changing for the better.

Larry Light, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2022 Keith Lerner, co-chief investment officer for Truist Advisory Services, is betting that demand for U.S. equities will counterbalance any downside that major indexes see as a result of a stronger dollar.

Caitlin Mccabe, WSJ, 6 Mar. 2022 Billups has repeatedly said that surrounding the starting backcourt of Lillard and Simons with quality defenders would be the goal in order to counterbalance their weaknesses in that area.

oregonlive, 30 Sep. 2022 The two authoritarian powers are strategically aligned in their attempt to counterbalance the West.

Nectar Gan, CNN, 22 Sep. 2022 Tree-planting projects have sprung up across the continent, such as in Lufasi Park in Nigeria or Mozambique's mangrove restoration projects, mostly from private investors looking to counterbalance their own polluting activities.

Wanjohi Kabukuru, ajc, 24 Aug. 2022 The humor goes from charcoal to obsidian to coal black, though the gorgeous setting on Dublin's rustic, rocky coast helps counterbalance all the darkness.

Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 19 Aug. 2022 However, the firm increased its provisions in the first quarter of 2022 to counterbalance the higher credit risks.

Trefis Team, Forbes, 15 July 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'counterbalance.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.