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

The soundtrack here is an important counterpoint to the visual impact, transporting the viewer into a subconscious state that connects them with their deepest emotions and life memories. —Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2025

This Apple-and-Fennel Salad is the perfect counterpoint—crisp, fresh, and just a little tart. —Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 23 Oct. 2025

Verb

The token slivers of human-interest drama (a divorce battle, a visit to the pediatrician) that are meant to counterpoint the possibility of Armageddon with the oh-so-ironic triviality of quotidian concerns. —Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 2 Sep. 2025

What makes this Andalusian driving escape truly special is its perfect balance—the exhilaration of commanding winding mountain roads counterpointed by moments of tranquil luxury. —Shelby Knick, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025

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