ballast

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

For the Clinton administration, the paper was just what it needed to help give intellectual ballast for its case to raise the federal minimum wage.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

If you’re not in the mood for a hulking sirloin — and if just creamed spinach and a frosted martini feel like insufficient ballast — skip the burger.

From Salon • Mar. 11, 2026

“We expect high-quality bonds to continue to serve as portfolio ballast in risk-off environments.”

From Barron's • Feb. 26, 2026

Aside from his musical career, McManus has had a number of business interests including Cloburn Quarry in Lanark, a major supplier of ballast for Britain's railways.

From BBC • Feb. 13, 2026

“Too bad—your voyage for nothing. An expensive mistake. If you’d sailed with a cargo, you could sell that. But—you sailed in ballast, didn’t you? Nothing but specie. And now—nothing to buy. Really too bad.”

From "Carry On, Mr. Bowditch" by Jean Lee Latham