balance with

balance (something) with (something else)

To equalize two things, or to neutralize something with something else. On student council, my attentiveness balances with Kate's relaxed attitude. This recipe balances the sweetness of the strawberries with the tartness of the rhubarb.

See also: balance

balance (something) with (something else)

to offset something with something else; to balance something against something else. The teacher tends to balance a harsh grading scheme with a strong sense of fair play. Roger balanced the spicy soup with a bland first course. They balanced his bad behavior with the good, but still felt he was much too rude.

See also: balance