counterweight

noun

coun·​ter·​weight ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌwāt How to pronounce counterweight (audio)
: an equivalent weight or force : counterbalance
counterweight transitive verb

Examples of counterweight in a Sentence

The crane has a heavy counterweight on the back. hard work can often be a counterweight to modest intelligence
Recent Examples on the Web Zoom in: From the start, BRICS was devised as a counterweight to the West's geopolitical and economic clout, which was embodied particularly through forums like the G7, and later the G8. Ivana Saric, Axios, 22 Oct. 2024 But the counterweight to Smith's prosecution has already been written — by the Supreme Court. Mike Allen, Axios, 3 Oct. 2024 And Jetter’s infectious personality seemed like the perfect counterweight. Mark Peikert, IndieWire, 30 Sep. 2024 The deepening defense relationship is part of the Biden administration’s Indo-Pacific strategy that seeks a counterweight to rising Chinese aggression by strengthening relationships with like-minded countries. Michelle Ye Hee Lee, Washington Post, 27 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for counterweight 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'counterweight.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1693, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of counterweight was in 1693

Dictionary Entries Near counterweight

Cite this Entry

“Counterweight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterweight. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

counterweight

noun
coun·​ter·​weight ˈkau̇nt-ər-ˌwāt How to pronounce counterweight (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on counterweight

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