balance of power

noun phrase

: an equilibrium of power sufficient to discourage or prevent one nation or party from imposing its will on or interfering with the interests of another

Examples of balance of power in a Sentence

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The crisis has also exposed a new balance of power in energy politics. — Jason Bordoff, Foreign Affairs, 14 Aug. 2026 Why Iran's power structure complicates a ceasefire Attacks on commercial shipping could become an early test of Iran's wartime balance of power. — Emma Graham, CNBC, 1 Aug. 2026 They are designed to shape the global balance of power for the next generation. — Emil Sayegh, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026 But at least one progressive victory in Colorado yesterday could have more significant ramifications for the national balance of power. — Elaine Godfrey, The Atlantic, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for balance of power

Word History

First Known Use

1679, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of balance of power was in 1679

Rhymes for balance of power

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Browse Nearby Words

balance of payments
balance of power
balance of terror
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Cite this Entry

“Balance of power.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/balance%20of%20power. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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