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1. A weight that balances another weight
   - counterweight, counterpoise, balance, equalizer, equaliser [Brit]
    
2. Equality of distribution
   - balance, equilibrium, equipoise
    
3. A compensating equivalent
   - offset

1. Adjust for
   "engineers will work to counterbalance the effects of air resistance";
   - compensate, correct, make up, even out, even off, even up
    
2. Contrast with equal weight or force
   - oppose
    
3. Oppose and mitigate the effects of by contrary actions
   "This will counterbalance the foolish actions of my colleagues";
   - counteract, countervail, neutralize, neutralise [Brit]

Derived forms: counterbalanced, counterbalances, counterbalancing

See also: right

Type of: balance, cancel, compensation, construction, contrast, counterpoint, equilibrate, equilibrise [Brit], equilibrize, offset, set off, structure, weight

Encyclopedia: Counterbalance