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
counterpointed; counterpointing; counterpoints
1
: to set off or emphasize by juxtaposition : set in contrast
counterpoints the public and the private man—
Tom Bishop
Tom Bishop2
: 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
Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Hong Kong cinema provides a very interesting counterpoint to these gross stereotypes and biases.
—Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 24 Mar. 2025
Shelby Knick, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for counterpoint
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
But Macdonald is after more than just a concert film, letting those musical interludes serve as counterpoint to a larger investigation into Lennon and Ono’s mindset at a moment of deep division within American society.
—Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Hong Kong cinema provides a very interesting counterpoint to these gross stereotypes and biases.
—Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 24 Mar. 2025
Verb
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
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
See All Example Sentences for counterpoint
Cite this Entry
“Counterpoint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterpoint. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share