Synonyms for counterbalance
- verb
- noun
Most common
compensate counterpoise equiponderate counteract counterpose
Synonyms by meaning
Verb
1. Compensate
2. Counterpoise — to apply weight in order to balance an opposing weight
3. Counteract
Other
Noun
1. Balance
2. Counterweight
Definitions
- v. 1
To apply weight in order to balance an opposing weight.
Big brother counterbalances his two siblings to the pound.
- v. 2
To match or equal in effect when applying opposing force.
Arm wrestling is undecided as long as the opponents counterbalance each other.
- n. 1
A weight that is put in opposition to an equal weight so it keeps that in balance.
- n. 2
A force or influence that balances, checks or limits an opposite one.
Related words
- Is a kind of
- offset
Forms
- Plural
- counterbalances → balances, equipoises, weighs, equilibriums…
- Past participle
- counterbalanced
e.g. counterbalanced → compensated, covered, corrected, counterpoised…
Example sentences
- compensate Expensive meals can't compensate for lack of sleep.
- counterpoise Knights acted as a counterpoise to the barons.
- counteract Reality and dreams counteract each other.
Popularity over time
| Word | 1850 → 2019 | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| counterbalance | steady | |
| compensate | steady | |
| counterpoise | falling | |
| equiponderate | steady | |
| counteract | steady | |
| counterpose | falling |
Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.
By length
- 5 letters
- cover2, weigh1
- 6 letters
- oppose2
- 7 letters
- correct2, balance2
- 9 letters
- equalizer4, equaliser, equipoise
- 10 letters
- compensate3, counteract3, neutralize3, neutralise
- 11 letters
- equilibrium5, countervail3, counterpose
- 12 letters
- counterpoise, counterweigh
- 13 letters
- counterweight3, equiponderate
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (cover2 = 2 syllables).
In other languages
- Français
- contrebalancer
- Italiano
- controbilanciare