checks and balances
4 synonyms and 2 antonyms for checks and balances, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A system in which the separate parts of a government or organisation each hold powers that limit the others, so that no single part can act without restraint.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
unchecked power
absolutism
How to use checks and balances
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
system of checks and balances
proper checks and balances
erode checks and balances
checks and balances on power
built-in checks and balances
Treated as a plural noun and normally used without an article: checks and balances exist, not a checks and balances.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between checks and balances and separation of powers?
Separation of powers divides government into distinct branches with distinct jobs. Checks and balances is the further step of giving each branch specific powers over the others, such as a veto or the ability to strike down a law, so the division is actually enforced.
Do checks and balances only apply to governments?
No. The phrase is used for any organisation where authority is deliberately split, such as a company separating the people who approve payments from the people who make them.
Is checks and balances singular or plural?
It takes a plural verb, as in the checks and balances were weakened. When it modifies another noun it becomes singular in form: a checks-and-balances system.
