counterpoint

1 of 2

noun

coun·​ter·​point ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌpȯint 

1

a

: a complementing or contrasting item : opposite

b

: use of contrast or interplay of elements in a work of art (such as a drama)

2

a

: one or more independent melodies added above or below a given melody

b

: the combination of two or more independent melodies into a single harmonic texture in which each retains its linear character : polyphony

counterpoint

2 of 2

verb

counterpointed; counterpointing; counterpoints

transitive verb

1

: to set off or emphasize by juxtaposition : set in contrast

… counterpoints the public and the private man …

—Tom Bishop

2

: to compose or arrange in counterpoint

Examples of counterpoint in a Sentence

Noun

The guitar and bass are played in counterpoint.

The dressing is a refreshing counterpoint to the spicy chicken.

The painting is a pleasant counterpoint to his earlier works.

The music works in counterpoint to the images on the screen.

Verb

The violence of the movie is counterpointed by ironic humor.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

At a time when the United States has tense relationships with many of its overseas allies, international tourists' appreciation of American culture offers a counterpoint to the animosity between politicians. — Ava Berger, NPR, 19 June 2026

The palette includes lemon yellow, sunbeam orange and ocean blue, with black structural mesh as a counterpoint to these hues. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 16 June 2026

Verb

The Alagoas setting and also the director’s home state remains a guiding visual anchor, and counterpoint to the family’s interior life. — Callum McLennan, Variety, 19 May 2026

Solo winds sometimes echo and counterpoint the violin’s phrases. — Scott Cantrell, Dallas Morning News, 13 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Middle French contrepoint, from Medieval Latin contrapunctus, from Latin contra- counter- + Medieval Latin punctus musical note, melody, from Latin, act of pricking, from pungere to prick — more at pungent

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Verb

1875, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing counterpoint

• triple counterpoint

Rhymes for counterpoint

• disappoint
• multipoint
• needlepoint
• reappoint
• adjoint
• anoint
• appoint
• checkpoint
• conjoint
• disjoint
• endpoint
• gunpoint

Kids Definition

counterpoint

noun

coun·​ter·​point

ˈkau̇nt-ər-ˌpȯint

1

: one or more independent melodies added as accompaniment to a principal melody

2

: combination of two or more melodies into a harmony in which each keeps its own identity