overbalance

1 of 2

verb

over·​bal·​ance ˌō-vər-ˈba-lən(t)s How to pronounce overbalance (audio)
overbalanced; overbalancing; overbalances

transitive verb

1
2
: to cause to lose balance

overbalance

2 of 2

noun

over·​bal·​ance ˈō-vər-ˌba-lən(t)s How to pronounce overbalance (audio)
: something more than an equivalent

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

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'overbalance.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

circa 1659, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overbalance was in 1605

Dictionary Entries Near overbalance

Cite this Entry

“Overbalance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overbalance. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

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
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