as in offset
a force or influence that makes an opposing force ineffective or less effective hard work can often be a counterweight to modest intelligence

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of counterweight That implies that just as federalism guards against the tyranny made possible through overt centralization, federalism also has counterweights to prevent individual state governments from wrecking the whole. Jenna Bednar, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2024 In 1846, scientists had observed irregularities in Uranus’ orbit, as if an invisible counterweight were tugging on the planet from the far side. Shi En Kim, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Nov. 2024 Even as the grouping attracts growing interest as a political and economic counterweight to the West, tensions are simmering over its direction and influence. Henry Meyer, TIME, 22 Oct. 2024 The Soviet Union, for decades the great counterweight to the West, seemed like an immovable force. Martin Gutmann, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for counterweight
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterweight
Noun
  • Those tax cuts could add more than $9 trillion to the deficit over the next decade without offsets, according to a new analysis from the Peter G. Peterson Foundation.
    Jonathan Easley, The Hill, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Supports Green Projects Some initiatives use mining profits to invest in reforestation, carbon offsets or sustainability programs.
    Alex Pron, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • And the long stainless steel counter can double as a wipe-clean work bench for wrenching on bike components.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 8 Apr. 2025
  • These counter measures were imposed on the U.S. by Canada, Cuba, Mexico, France, Italy, Spain, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, and Switzerland.
    Mike Patton, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • About 77% of Gen Zers consider work-life balance central to a successful career.
    First Place for Youth, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Other fiber-rich foods like leafy greens, oats, beans and whole grains can also help support hormone balance over time, especially for those who are estrogen-dominant (relative to progesterone levels) or have conditions related to hormone imbalance, according to Thomason.
    Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Her friendships with Sutton Stracke and Crystal Kung Minkoff became a highlight for fans, offering a counterbalance to the often-exhausting dynamics within the group.
    Shelby Stewart, Essence, 25 Mar. 2025
  • These practices can help recalibrate your emotional state, offering a counterbalance to the relentless tide of gloom.
    Anna Pulley, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Counterweight.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterweight. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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