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Definitions

in the balance

ADJECTIVE
pending
Synonyms
STRONGEST
imminent impending undecided
WEAK
awaiting continuing dependent forthcoming hanging in line in the offing in the works indeterminate ominous on board on line pendent undetermined unsettled up in the air
Antonyms
STRONGEST
distant later
WEAK
improbable unlikely

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.

The future of nearly 100 million Iranians hangs in the balance.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

Richards said the midfielder's World Cup hopes are in the balance, but if he was in Tuchel's shoes he would be taking him.

From BBC • May 13, 2026

President Donald Trump on Tuesday said his Food and Drug Commissioner, Marty Makary, will be replaced, following days of news reports that Makary’s job hung in the balance.

From Barron's • May 12, 2026

In a world where public trust in science already hangs in the balance, a system that is visibly strained and occasionally embarrassed gives bad-faith actors fresh ammunition.

From Slate • May 3, 2026

In their defense, Mullineaux and Crandell believed in the balance they struck between caution and living.

From "Mountain of Fire" by Rebecca E. F. Barone

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