as in cargo
heavy material (such as rocks or water) that is put on a ship to make it steady or on a balloon to control its height in the air
—often used figuratively
A large amount of ballast kept the boat from capsizing. She provided the ballast the family needed in times of stress.
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Recent Examples of ballast
Once towed into place, ballast tanks at one end flooded and FLIP, well, flipped.
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David Szondy, New Atlas, 27 Oct. 2024
Many invasive species have been introduced into the lakes through ballast water.
—Caitlin Looby, Journal Sentinel, 1 Oct. 2024
Upon resurfacing, it was discovered the platform malfunction was caused by an issue with the variable ballast tank, which controlled the submersible’s buoyancy.
—Ray Sanchez and Graham Hurley, CNN, 22 Sep. 2024
Part of the junk’s ballast had been provided by granite gravestones, brought by the migrants from China for use at the end of their lives.
—Sam Knight, The New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for ballast 
David Szondy, New Atlas, 27 Oct. 2024
Many invasive species have been introduced into the lakes through ballast water.
—Caitlin Looby, Journal Sentinel, 1 Oct. 2024
Upon resurfacing, it was discovered the platform malfunction was caused by an issue with the variable ballast tank, which controlled the submersible’s buoyancy.
—Ray Sanchez and Graham Hurley, CNN, 22 Sep. 2024
Part of the junk’s ballast had been provided by granite gravestones, brought by the migrants from China for use at the end of their lives.
—Sam Knight, The New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for ballast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ballast
Noun
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If the rear passenger space is modest, the rear cargo space is class leading for a car this size.James Morris, Forbes, 7 Dec. 2024
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These drones, loaded with an array of seeds, hover over target areas and release their precious cargo.Sabrina Weiss, WIRED, 6 Dec. 2024
Noun
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The German firm also audited Aurora’s safety guidelines for its self-driving trucks, as well as protocols for autonomous freight company Gatik.Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 13 Dec. 2024
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Dockworkers and freight companies feud over automation A strike in October at docks across the East and Gulf coasts threatened to upend the economy and drive up prices, but workers and management ended the stoppage with a tentative agreement after three days.Max Zahn, ABC News, 13 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Kara Kramer’s illustrations, filled with the bright colors of the Rubik’s Cube and loads of shapes and geometric patterns, bring a delightful energy to the tale.Megan Gambino, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Dec. 2024
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There’s just loads of people that turn up in a park, and there’s music.Chad de Guzman, TIME, 18 Dec. 2024
Noun
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The more precise moving companies can be in their loading and unloading of office or industrial components, the more quickly they can be redeployed in their new locations.Anar Mammadov, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
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If a cancellation or delay was under the airline's control, such as maintenance or crew problems, cabin cleaning, baggage loading and fueling, there are certain amenities that passengers can claim.Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2024
Noun
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Also flying were payloads for Astranis Space Technologies and Gravity Space headed for geostationary orbits.Richard Tribou, Orlando Sentinel, 8 Dec. 2024
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The launch, which carried a 300-kilogram payload—the heaviest ever for Iran—included an 'orbital propulsion system' and the Fakhr-1 satellite, reportedly for military use.Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024
Noun
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One example can be as simple as shipments that are missing bills of lading or origin documents.Forbes, Forbes, 1 June 2021
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According to bills of lading and other records provided to the San Antonio Express-News by officials at 23 food banks, CRE8AD8 delivered about 147,000 boxes total to food banks.Tom Orsborn, ExpressNews.com, 1 July 2020
Noun
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Women disproportionately shoulder this burden, not just in their personal lives but also at work.Elpida Kokkota, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
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Payers are focused on reducing costs to boost profitability, often leading to friction with healthcare providers who face increasing administrative burdens and diminishing financial returns.Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 18 Dec. 2024
Noun
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That represented 68% of the vessels when measured by deadweight, and the lowest number of tankers tracked with IG club insurance, surpassing 67% uninsured recorded in July and August.Lori Ann LaRocco, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2024
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Getting rid of deadweight and dealing with unsatisfactory situations will lighten your burden and make room for investing more time in yourself and what brings you joy.Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near ballast
Cite this Entry
“Ballast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ballast. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.
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