counterweight

noun

coun·​ter·​weight ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌwāt 

: an equivalent weight or force : counterbalance

counterweight transitive verb

Synonyms

• balance
• canceler
• canceller
• corrective
• counter
• counteraction
• counterbalance
• counterforce
• counterpoise
• equipoise
• neutralizer
• offset

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

Where are Republicans with experience in public policy, though, who could govern as a bit of a counterweight to the big majorities held by legislative Democrats? —Thomas Elias, The Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2024

But tax experts and economic analysts do not think Trump’s tariffs would be an adequate counterweight to balance the trillions lost from eliminating income taxes. —Rebecca Picciotto, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2024

Tensions between India and Canada are a delicate diplomatic matter for the U.S., which is trying to court New Delhi as a key partner and geopolitical counterweight to China in the Indo-Pacific region. —Siladitya Ray, Forbes, 15 Oct. 2024

National security types will press Trump to strengthen trade with allies as a counterweight to China. —Peter E. Harrell, Foreign Affairs, 19 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1693, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

counterweight

noun

coun·​ter·​weight ˈkau̇nt-ər-ˌwāt 

: counterbalance entry 1 sense 1