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Showing results for counterbalance.
Definitions

counterbalance

[koun-ter-bal-uhns, koun-ter-bal-uhns] / ˈkaʊn tərˌbæl əns, ˌkaʊn tərˈbæl əns /
VERB
offset an action
Synonyms
STRONGEST
counteract outweigh rectify
STRONG
amend balance cancel compensate correct counterpoise countervail equalize redeem
WEAK
atone for make up for set off
Antonyms
STRONG
disproportion forfeit imbalance lose

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.

Yet fears of layoffs might still act as a counterbalance.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 26, 2026

Pratt found solace in his own creative artwork every evening, she explained, a counterbalance to the grisliness he confronted all day.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 29, 2026

Societies would need to eliminate all emissions they reasonably can, then counterbalance the "residual" emissions that cannot be removed.

From Science Daily • Nov. 20, 2025

"The recent rally was extremely steep, so this is the counterbalance."

From Barron's • Nov. 5, 2025

Then Du Bois tore into Washington for the older man’s lack of a spiritual counterbalance to “the evils of Get and Grab.”

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson

Vocabulary lists containing counterbalance

Dance - Middle School and High School

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