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.

“We are totally cognizant there are periods of time when bonds did not provide the same ballast, but over time, they do.”

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 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

To be sure, security co-operation remains the ballast in an otherwise choppy relationship.

From BBC • Feb. 14, 2026

They used a winch system to pull the crane off the ship, while a crew member adjusted the ballast of the vessel to ensure it stayed level with the dock.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 28, 2025

“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