balanced
/ˈbælənst/
VERB
1. To bring weights or forces into equilibrium
To have adjusted or arranged weights, forces, or opposing elements so that they are equal or properly distributed.
1.1. Making weights or forces equal
Having adjusted weights or opposing forces so that they counteract one another and produce a stable or equal condition.
Synonyms
- counterbalanced
- counterpoised
- equalized
- equilibrated
- offset
Antonyms
- unbalanced
- imbalanced
- destabilized
Examples
- The technician balanced the scales by adjusting the weights on each side.
Related Words
- stabilized
- adjusted
- compensated
- counteracted
1.2. Making ideas or concepts agree
Having brought different ideas, statements, or concepts into agreement or consistency.
Synonyms
- reconciled
- harmonized
- aligned
- coordinated
Antonyms
- conflicted
- contradicted
- disagreed
Examples
- The researcher balanced the competing theories into a coherent explanation.
Related Words
- consistency
- compatibility
- coherence
- agreement
1.3. Supporting an object to prevent it from falling
Having held or positioned an object carefully, often on a narrow or unstable surface, so that it remained upright.
Synonyms
- steadied
- poised
- stabilized
- supported
Antonyms
- toppled
- overturned
- upset
Examples
- She balanced the tray on one hand while opening the door.
Related Words
- braced
- propped
- held
- counterbalanced
1.4. Comparing relative importance or value
Having weighed different factors, arguments, or considerations against one another to assess their relative importance, strength, or value.
Synonyms
Examples
- The committee balanced the potential benefits against the possible risks before making its decision.
Related Words
1.5. Making financial credits and debits correspond
Having adjusted or recorded the financial entries of an account so that its total credits and debits correspond.
Synonyms
- reconciled
- squared
- matched
- settled
Antonyms
- discrepant
- unreconciled
Examples
- The accountant balanced the company's books at the end of the month.
Related Words
- accounted
- audited
- bookkept
- calculated
1.6. Being in a state of equilibrium
Having existed in a condition where opposing forces or weights were equal or properly distributed.
Synonyms
- equilibrated
- counterbalanced
- poised
- stabilized
Antonyms
- unbalanced
- unstable
- unsteady
Examples
- The boat balanced on the calm water despite the uneven distribution of its cargo.
Related Words
1.7. Weighing something using scales
Having determined the weight of an object by placing it on a weighing instrument.
Synonyms
Examples
- The shopkeeper balanced the package before calculating the shipping cost.
Related Words
1.8. Hesitating or fluctuating between alternatives
Having moved uncertainly between different choices or positions without reaching a definite decision.
Synonyms
- wavered
- vacillated
- oscillated
- fluctuated
- hesitated
Antonyms
- decided
- settled
- committed
Examples
- She balanced between accepting the offer and waiting for another opportunity.
Related Words
- dithered
- faltered
- equivocated
- indecision
1.9. Moving toward and away from a partner in dancing
Having performed a reciprocal dance movement by moving toward another dancer and then moving back.
Synonyms
- advanced and retreated
- moved back and forth
Examples
- The dancers balanced toward each other and then moved back in time with the music.
Related Words
- dancing
- retreating
- approaching
- choreography
1.10. Reducing the area of a sail
Having contracted or gathered a sail into a narrower area to reduce its exposure to the wind.
Synonyms
- reefed
- furled
Examples
- The crew balanced the sail before the wind grew stronger.
Related Words
- sailing
- rigging
- sail handling
- wind
ADJECTIVE
2. Containing elements in appropriate proportion
Having elements in suitable proportions or being arranged so that no single element is excessively dominant; also describing something that is stable and unlikely to tip over.
2.1. Having elements in suitable proportions
Containing different components, qualities, or ingredients in appropriate proportions, with no one element excessively dominating the whole.
Synonyms
- proportional
- proportioned
- harmonious
- well-balanced
- even
Antonyms
- imbalanced
- disproportionate
- uneven
- lopsided
Examples
- She follows a balanced diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
- The chef created a balanced combination of flavors in the signature dish.
Related Words
2.2. Stable and unlikely to tip over
Having weight or support distributed evenly enough to remain steady and resist tipping or falling.
Synonyms
- stable
- steady
- even
- well-balanced
Antonyms
- unstable
- unsteady
- lopsided
- unbalanced
Examples
- The balanced structure remained stable despite the strong wind.
Related Words
2.3. Emotionally calm and mentally composed
Remaining calm, rational, and emotionally stable when facing pressure, uncertainty, or difficult circumstances.
Synonyms
- even-keeled
- composed
- levelheaded
- well-adjusted
- sane
Antonyms
- unbalanced
- irrational
- unstable
- distraught
Examples
- Despite the stressful circumstances, she remained balanced and clearheaded.
Related Words
2.4. Fair and impartial in judgment
Considering different viewpoints, interests, or arguments fairly without allowing personal bias to dominate.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The judge made a balanced assessment of the evidence presented by both sides.
Related Words
2.5. Well-proportioned in artistic design
Having visual elements arranged in pleasing proportions that create a sense of harmony, symmetry, or aesthetic unity.
Synonyms
- harmonious
- symmetrical
- aesthetic
- graceful
- proportioned
Antonyms
- asymmetrical
- disproportioned
- disharmonious
- inelegant
Examples
- The painting has a balanced composition that draws attention to its central subject.
Related Words
- composition
- design
- proportion
- visual harmony
2.6. Diversified in financial investments
Containing a suitable mix of different investments or asset types to distribute risk and avoid excessive dependence on a single investment.
Synonyms
- diversified
- well-diversified
- proportioned
Antonyms
- concentrated
- undiversified
- overweighted
Examples
- The financial advisor recommended a balanced portfolio of stocks and bonds to minimize risk.
Related Words
- portfolio
- asset allocation
- investment
- risk management