balance

n.

1. Whatever remains

   remainder, excess, surplus, amount due; see remainder.

2. An equilibrium

   equipoise, poise, counterpoise, equilibrium, symmetry, antithesis, offset, equivalence, counterbalance, tension, equalization, equality of weight, parity; see also symmetry.

   Antonyms imbalance*, lopsidedness, topheaviness.

3. An excess of credits over debits

   credit balance, surplus, dividend, profit, cash on hand, available funds.

4. A balance scale

   steelyard, spring balance, scales; see scale 3.

5. Judgment

   perspective, discretion, insight, steadiness; see judgment 1, stability 1, 2. See syn. study at remainder, symmetry.

in the balance

off balance

balance

v.

1. To offset

   equipoise, counterpoise, counterbalance; see offset.

2. To place in balance

   poise, oppose, place in equilibrium, steady, stabilize, neutralize, set, level, equalize, support, equilibrate, even, weigh, counteract, make equal, make level, make steady, compensate, tie, adjust, square, nullify, parallel, cancel, coordinate, readjust, equate, trim, match, level off, pair off, restore, attune, harmonize, tune, countervail, accord, correspond.

   Antonyms topple, upset*, turn over. *

3. To demonstrate that debits and credits are in balance

   estimate, compare, account (for), count, compute, prove, adjust, settle, make up, strike a balance, take a trial balance, tell, audit, calculate, enumerate, equate, square, tally, total, reckon, take stock, sum up; see also check 3.

4. To compare as to relative importance or value

   weigh, evaluate, ponder; see compare 1, consider 1, 3.