counterpoint

1 of 2

noun

coun·​ter·​point ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌpȯint How to pronounce counterpoint (audio)
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 manTom 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
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.
Noun
If successful, Raskin would be a counterpoint to Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), the dogged chairman of the committee who has been an effective defender of President-elect Donald Trump. Cami Mondeaux, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 2 Dec. 2024 Associate manager of audience strategy Carly Westerfield noticed a dash of citric acidity, which made for a nice counterpoint to the fruitiness. Sam Stone, Bon Appétit, 2 Dec. 2024
Verb
Artful costuming design is the goth-ish palette of pollution — blacks, bleak grays, gritty silvers counterpointed only by pristine white. Christopher Smith, Orange County Register, 23 July 2024 The design inspiration will be European throughout the home, featuring a paint palette that is white and shades of gray that are visually counterpointed with wood accents and matte black pulls, door handles, and shower and bath fixtures. John R. Ellement, BostonGlobe.com, 12 July 2023 See all Example Sentences for counterpoint 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of counterpoint was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near counterpoint

Cite this Entry

“Counterpoint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterpoint. Accessed 10 Dec. 2024.

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
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