Offset — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb noun /ˈȯf-ˌset/ off·set

Meaning & Definition of Offset

Offset (verb)

  1. to place over against something, balance
  2. to serve as a counterbalance for, compensate
  3. to form an offset in

Offset (noun)

  1. something that serves to counterbalance or to compensate for something else; especially, either of two balancing ledger items
  2. a short prostrate lateral shoot arising from the base of a plant
  3. a small bulb arising from the base of another bulb

Offset (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to balance with an equal force so as to make ineffective

    "if you get a high grade on this quiz, it will offset the D from your last one"

    similar: annul, cancel (out), compensate (for), correct, counteract, counterbalance, counterpoise, make up (for), negative, neutralize
    related: invalidate, negate, neuter, nullify, atone (for), outbalance, outweigh, redeem, redress, relieve, remedy, override, overrule

Offset (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a force or influence that makes an opposing force ineffective or less effective

    "a better performance this time will be an offset to last year's dismal showing"

    similar: balance, canceler, corrective, counter, counteraction, counterbalance, counterforce, counterpoise, counterweight, equipoise, neutralizer
    related: trade-off, ballast, weight

  2. the stopping of a process or activity

    "symptoms that were striking for their abrupt onset and their equally abrupt offset"

    similar: arrest, arrestment, cease, cessation, check, close, closedown, closure, conclusion, cutoff, discontinuance, discontinuation, end, ending, expiration, finish, halt, lapse, shutdown, shutoff, stay, stop, stoppage, surcease, termination
    related: mop-up, phaseout, abeyance, break, interruption, layoff, letup, moratorium, pause, standstill, suspension
    opposite: continuance, continuation
    near: extension, persistence, prolongation

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Offset

The most common words with a similar meaning to Offset:

annul, cancel (out), compensate (for), correct, counteract, counterbalance, counterpoise, make up (for), negative, neutralize, balance, canceler, corrective, counter, counteraction, counterforce, counterweight, equipoise, neutralizer, arrest, arrestment, cease, cessation, check, close, closedown, closure, conclusion, cutoff, discontinuance, discontinuation, end, ending, expiration, finish, halt, lapse, shutdown, shutoff, stay

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Offset

Words with the opposite meaning of Offset:

continuance, continuation

Related Words for Offset

invalidate, negate, neuter, nullify, atone (for), outbalance, outweigh, redeem, redress, relieve, remedy, override, overrule, trade-off, ballast, weight, mop-up, phaseout, abeyance, break, interruption, layoff, letup, moratorium, pause, standstill, suspension

Near Antonyms of Offset

extension, persistence, prolongation

Word Forms of Offset

Inflections: offsetting, offsets

Derived words: offset (adjective or adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Offset

First known use: 1673t

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Offset

Words & Phrases Containing Offset

photo-offset, web-offset

Frequently Asked Questions about Offset

What does "Offset" mean?

"Offset" means to place over against something, balance. As an a verb and a noun, it is defined as: to place over against something, balance. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Offset"?

Other words for "Offset" include annul, cancel (out), compensate (for), correct, counteract, counterbalance, counterpoise and make up (for). The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Offset" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Offset"?

There are 71 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Offset". Common alternatives include annul, cancel (out), compensate (for), correct, counteract, counterbalance, counterpoise, make up (for), negative and neutralize.

What is the opposite of "Offset"?

Antonyms of "Offset" include continuance and continuation. Near antonyms include extension, persistence and prolongation.

How do you use "Offset" in a sentence?

Examples of "Offset" in a sentence: "if you get a high grade on this quiz, it will offset the D from your last one"; "a better performance this time will be an offset to last year's dismal showing"; "symptoms that were striking for their abrupt onset and their equally abrupt offset".

Is "Offset" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Offset" can be used as a verb and a noun, depending on the context.

Is "Offset" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

It is on the Academic Word List, so it appears often in IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and university texts.

How do you pronounce "Offset"?

"Offset" is pronounced /ˈȯf-ˌset/ and divided into syllables as off·set.