1
as in equilibrium
a condition in which opposing forces are equal to one another
a musical piece with a counterpoise of loud and soft passages
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in offset
a force or influence that makes an opposing force ineffective or less effective
the happiness brought by a new baby was a timely counterpoise to the grief occasioned by a death in the family
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in to offset
to balance with an equal force so as to make ineffective
her overall healthiness largely counterpoised the virulence of the infection
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of counterpoise
Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2023
What’s most remarkable about Torruella’s film is its counterpoise between the sense of raging injustice and the island’s mystic stillness.
—Amada Torruella, The New Yorker, 27 Sep. 2023
Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2023
Conflicts of interest are objective situations that arise when a person’s financial interests can be counterpoised to their public responsibilities.
—Matthew Yglesias, Vox, 29 Nov. 2018
Noun
Molina, the embodiment of theatrical excellence, is perfectly cast as the rational counterpoise to Brady’s zealotry.
—Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2023
What’s most remarkable about Torruella’s film is its counterpoise between the sense of raging injustice and the island’s mystic stillness.
—Amada Torruella, The New Yorker, 27 Sep. 2023
Verb
Indeed, the Western, that peculiarly American contribution to the world’s store of epic and saga, often depends on the tale of a defeated Confederate at large to enforce virtue, someone whose heroic individualism is counterpoised with the superficial discipline of the federal troops.
—Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2023
Conflicts of interest are objective situations that arise when a person’s financial interests can be counterpoised to their public responsibilities.
—Matthew Yglesias, Vox, 29 Nov. 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterpoise
Noun
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Once the wolves were reintroduced, the number of elk declined and the park regained its equilibrium.—
D. T. Max,
New Yorker,
7 Apr. 2025
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After the massage, Brashear gave me specific yoga postures and self-care practices selected to restore equilibrium.—
Kayla Blanton,
Outside Online,
4 Apr. 2025
Noun
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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
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Supports Green Projects Some initiatives use mining profits to invest in reforestation, carbon offsets or sustainability programs.—
Alex Pron,
Forbes.com,
26 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Editor's note: This story and headline have been corrected to note that after publication the banker and Pure said no letter of intent had been signed and the company remains for sale.—
Aaron Weitzman,
Axios,
31 Mar. 2025
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Mayor George Van Dusen, Village Manager John Lockerby and Corporation Counsel Michael Lorge and outside counsel also knew of the incorrect ballots and implored the Cook County Election Board to correct the ballots, per the news release.—
Richard Requena,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Democrats can't seem to agree on how to combat the president or come up with a clear counter message to combat the MAGA populism dominating Washington.—
Phillip M. Bailey,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2025
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Hand-cleaning edges under counters and by baseboards in bathrooms is a good idea, too.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
30 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The third-team All-American was completely neutralized by the frontline of Kansas State, which threw constant double teams her way.—
Ryan Kartje,
Los Angeles Times,
31 Mar. 2025
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The Trojans’ best skill on defense is protecting the paint, but that is neutralized by Kansas State’s ability to space the floor.—
Chantel Jennings,
The Athletic,
25 Mar. 2025
Noun
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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
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About 77% of Gen Zers consider work-life balance central to a successful career.—
First Place for Youth,
Forbes.com,
2 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Even then, the probability of being a counterweight to Google is small.—
Justin Gest,
Newsweek,
10 Feb. 2025
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The slate of divisive Trump loyalists could reshape the country’s image of state executives, who have had some of the most positive approval ratings of any politicians in the country and generally have been seen as sober counterweights to whichever administration is in power.—
Julia Manchester,
The Hill,
26 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Counterpoise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterpoise. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
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