contrapuntal

adjective

con·​tra·​pun·​tal ˌkän-trə-ˈpən-tᵊl 

1

: polyphonic

2

: of, relating to, or marked by counterpoint

contrapuntally

ˌkän-trə-ˈpən-tᵊl-ē 

adverb

Examples of contrapuntal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Instead of forcing plot onto his amorously hapless characters, Shaw explores leitmotifs in a playful, contrapuntal fashion. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026

In addition to Yasin’s essay, The Key published two poems by poet and journalist Tamara Nassar and a beautiful essay on the contrapuntal and living between two world’s by poet and translator Alaa Alqaisi. — James Folta, Literary Hub, 11 Mar. 2026

Then-current neoclassicism is evident in bright scorings — for double winds and brass, strings and timpani — and patches of contrapuntal business. — Scott Cantrell, Dallas Morning News, 6 Mar. 2026

The bidding has a pace and a rhythm that are almost contrapuntal. — Sean Williams, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Italian contrappunto counterpoint, from Medieval Latin contrapunctus — more at counterpoint entry 1

First Known Use

1816, in the meaning defined at sense 1