overbalance

1 of 2

verb

over·​bal·​ance ˌō-vər-ˈba-lən(t)s 

overbalanced; overbalancing; overbalances

transitive verb

1

: outweigh

2

: to cause to lose balance

overbalance

2 of 2

noun

over·​bal·​ance ˈō-vər-ˌba-lən(t)s 

: something more than an equivalent

Synonyms

Verb

• outrank
• outweigh
• overshadow
• overweigh

Examples of overbalance in a Sentence

Verb

He overbalanced and fell off the stool.

She tried to reach the vase but overbalanced herself and fell off the stool.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

What’s worse, policy is still overbalanced toward power. —David Roberts, Vox, 18 June 2019

Valcuha and the orchestra brought vibrancy and color to the huge first movement, which can threaten to overbalance the rest of the score if it’s not kept at least somewhat in check. —Joshua Kosman, San Francisco Chronicle, 4 May 2018

Unfortunately the piano tended to overbalance the rest of the ensemble, a problem that might have been avoided had there been a lid on the Steinway concert grand. —John Von Rhein, chicagotribune.com, 29 Apr. 2018

There were moments when De Silva overbalanced Perlman, and a slight tendency with both musicians to rush rapid-note passages, especially in the irresistibly cute Scherzo. —Paul Hodgins, Orange County Register, 23 Jan. 2017

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

circa 1659, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

overbalance

verb

over·​bal·​ance

ˌō-vər-ˈbal-ən(t)s

1

: to have greater weight or importance than

your good qualities overbalanced your shortcomings

2

: to lose or cause to lose balance

a boat overbalanced by shifting cargo