counter 1 of 4

Definition of counternext

counter

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noun

1
as in offset
a force or influence that makes an opposing force ineffective or less effective strong moral guidance at home is the best counter to the pernicious allure of popular culture

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
as in opposite
something that is as different as possible from something else her version of the domestic dispute was almost the exact counter of what actually happened

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

counter

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adjective

counter

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adverb

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of counter
Verb
Democratic lawmakers, though, counter that the audit violates the state constitution’s separation of powers. Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 21 Feb. 2026 Opponents countered that the bill was duplicative of those prior efforts but might cast an even wider net to criminalize people unnecessarily. The Denver Post, Denver Post, 21 Feb. 2026
Noun
Images showed a long line of people hiding behind ticket counters. Suzanne Gamboa, NBC news, 23 Feb. 2026 When reflecting on the details that struck her most about the home, Kayne points to the mix of materials—spruce panels in the bedroom, river rocks puzzled onto the bathroom counter, and walls of glass that invite the outdoors in. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 23 Feb. 2026
Adjective
Such gatherings are totally counter to AI’s onslaught of decontextualized content. Imogen West-Knights, The Dial, 10 Feb. 2026 Netflix on the counter-offensive Meanwhile, Netflix has been ramping up its PR battle against Paramount’s hostile bid. Andrew Kirell, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
Adverb
The Los Angeles Rams counter with a veteran signal-caller in Matthew Stafford, who has thrown for over 2,400 yards this season, and their offense is powered by explosive playmakers. Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Nov. 2025 To Brighton and their head coach’s credit, Palace showed little of their trademark counter-attacking threat. Liam Tharme, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for counter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counter
Verb
  • Based on similar moral panics among Democratic politicos proposing bans on new data center development from Oregon to Georgia, the Left seems ready to unite to oppose AI because of its extraordinary potential for economic productivity.
    Tiana Lowe Doescher, The Washington Examiner, 27 Feb. 2026
  • The proposal faced pushback from Councilmember Steve Goble, who said his constituents would likely oppose putting a dispensary in their neighborhood.
    Hannah Elsmore, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Under the Daylight Act, the time zone UTC offsets would be changed to half-hour increments rather than hours.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 19 Feb. 2026
  • Critics have long warned that weak oversight, inflated claims and poor benefit-sharing have eroded trust in offset programs.
    ABC News, ABC News, 17 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • But Potato is a little bit of the opposite.
    Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 27 Feb. 2026
  • For businesses like Smeaton’s the opposite is needed—stability.
    Kamal Ahmed, Fortune, 26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Her outlook may not change, but right now the substance of your friendship — at least from your perspective — is all negative.
    R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 25 Feb. 2026
  • Her outlook may not change, but right now the substance of your friendship – at least from your perspective – is all negative.
    R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2026
Adverb
  • Clip straight across your nail Instead of cutting your nails in an oval shape, cut them straight across to avoid an ingrown nail, which is when the nail curves and grows into your skin.
    Andee Tagle, NPR, 21 Feb. 2026
  • Use the file to straighten the nail's free edge straight across.
    Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 21 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The designation, which Anthropic will fight in court, could become a serious problem for the startup, which earns its revenue through enterprise software sales to companies that might currently or one day want to work with the military in some capacity.
    Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 28 Feb. 2026
  • Prosecutors are fighting to prevent Cox from being able to cross examine witnesses.
    Amy DeLaura, The Washington Examiner, 28 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Broccoli, cauliflower, artichoke, endive, dandelion, cabbage, and chicory contain bitter compounds that stimulate bile production, which supports fat digestion, waste elimination, and hormonal balance—indirectly helping manage acid load.
    Mélanie Defouilloy, Vogue, 24 Feb. 2026
  • These cause businessmen and women to confuse their own arguments about international trade and external balances almost beyond reason.
    Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Bushey’s hostile behavior following his sister’s arrival caused Laurie and her mother to take several safety measures out of fear, such as removing knives from the home, changing the locks, and finally pursuing a restraining order against Bushey and taking steps to evict him, Pirrello said.
    City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026
  • As events are leaning toward David Ellison and Paramount prevailing in its $108 billion hostile-takeover bid for Warner Bros Discovery, almost a dozen Republican state attorneys general are insisting that the federal government heavily scrutinize Netflix‘s bid for the iconic studio.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 25 Feb. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Counter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counter. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.

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