counteract

verb

coun·​ter·​act ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈakt How to pronounce counteract (audio)
counteracted; counteracting; counteracts
Synonyms of counteractnext

transitive verb

: to make ineffective or restrain or neutralize the usually ill effects of by means of an opposite force, action, or influence
a drug used to counteract fatigue
counteraction noun
counteractive adjective

Examples of counteract in a Sentence

The drug will counteract the poison. this medication will counteract the symptoms but it won't kill the infection
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
To counteract the large numbers, the company changed its policy to make the reward a BOGO meal. Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 7 May 2026 His versatility also allows for some creative packages if defensive coordinator Brian Flores wants to feature different body types to counteract offenses using heavier personnel. Alec Lewis, New York Times, 4 May 2026 Gustafson said the company expects this growth to continue as more people begin taking GLP-1s and searching for products to prevent or counteract hair thinning. Laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 2 May 2026 Taking the supplement, however, is thought to counteract those effects. Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 1 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for counteract

Word History

First Known Use

1655, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of counteract was in 1655

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Cite this Entry

“Counteract.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counteract. Accessed 10 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

counteract

verb
coun·​ter·​act ˌkau̇nt-ə-ˈrakt How to pronounce counteract (audio)
: to lessen the force, action, or influence of : offset
a drug that counteracts a poison
counteraction noun

Medical Definition

counteract

transitive verb
coun·​ter·​act ˌkau̇nt-ə-ˈrakt How to pronounce counteract (audio)
: to make ineffective or restrain or neutralize the usually ill effects of by an opposite force
vitamin K counteracts the effects of warfarin
counteraction noun

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