plural counterpoints
1
music
a
: a combination of two or more melodies that are played together
a two-person counterpoint
The guitar and bass are played in counterpoint.
b
: a melody played in combination with another
2
formal
: something that is different from something else in usually a pleasing way
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.
counterpoints; counterpointed; counterpointing
formal
: to put two things together in a way that shows how different they are from each other : contrast
The violence of the movie is counterpointed by/with ironic humor.
Cite this Entry
“Counterpoint.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/counterpoint. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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