counterbalance vs balance

counterbalance and balance both are nouns.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
counterbalance	Yes	No	Yes	No
balance	Yes	No	Yes	No

As nouns, counterbalance and balance are synonyms defined as:

Other synonyms of counterbalance include counterpoise, counterweight, equaliser, equalizer.

As nouns, counterbalance and balance are synonyms defined as:

Other synonyms of counterbalance include equilibrium, equipoise.

As verbs, balance is a hypernym of counterbalance; that is, balance is a word with a broader meaning than counterbalance:

Other hypernyms of counterbalance include equilibrate, equilibrise, equilibrize.

counterbalance (noun)	balance (noun)
a weight that balances another weight	a scale for weighing; depends on pull of gravity
a compensating equivalent	a weight that balances another weight
equality of distribution	a wheel that regulates the rate of movement in a machine; especially a wheel oscillating against the hairspring of a timepiece to regulate its beat
	harmonious arrangement or relation of parts or elements within a whole (as in a design)
	(mathematics) an attribute of a shape or relation; exact reflection of form on opposite sides of a dividing line or plane
	equality between the totals of the credit and debit sides of an account
	the difference between the totals of the credit and debit sides of an account
	something left after other parts have been taken away
	equality of distribution
	a state of equilibrium

counterbalance (verb)	balance (verb)
oppose and mitigate the effects of by contrary actions	hold or carry in equilibrium
contrast with equal weight or force	compute credits and debits of an account
adjust for	bring into balance or equilibrium
	be in equilibrium