counter 1 of 4

Definition of counternext

counter

2 of 4

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

3 of 4

adjective

counter

4 of 4

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
Something has gone badly wrong when childhood is being shaped by systems no child can understand, no parent can fully monitor, and no teacher can reasonably be expected to counter alone. Belonging Forum, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026 Bryant’s signature appears in pink on the heel, and the Nike Kobe tongue logo counters in blue. Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 12 June 2026
Noun
The kitchen includes white oak cabinets, honed quartzite counters, and a walk-in pantry. The Week Us, TheWeek, 14 June 2026 The counter is duller and, to my mind, stronger. Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026
Adjective
An open kitchen with counter seating looks into a bright dining room with tables and banquettes. Louisa Kung Liu Chu, Chicago Tribune, 9 June 2026 The counter argument is that the 60 Minutes lead-in for most of the season is the best lead-in in television. Zulekha Nathoo, USA Today, 8 June 2026
Adverb
The issue is controversial, with some arguing gates would run counter to the spirit of the park in the legendarily liberal neighborhood. Lincoln Anderson, New York Daily News, 26 May 2026 Trading Alvarez would also run counter to everything Crane has preached about a perennial championship window. Chandler Rome, New York Times, 25 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for counter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counter
Verb
  • Investigators determined that one person initially opened fire during the altercation, which led to a person from the opposing group to return fire.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 11 June 2026
  • Sabellico had characterized his campaign as one opposing extremism, while Allman billed his as focused on improving academics and transparency.
    Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 June 2026
Noun
  • The startup, an eco-friendly digital banking company boasting fossil fuel-free investments, carbon offsets for gas purchases, and a debit card with cash-back benefits for shopping at clean companies, was founded by Sanberg and Andrei Cherny.
    Lily Wright, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2026
  • Using an offset spatula, spread the frosting into a flat, even circle layer.
    ABC News, ABC News, 2 June 2026
Noun
  • If these quasi-mythical creatures provoked unease, at least among outsiders, their cheese did the opposite.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
  • In the Eastern Pacific, the opposite occurs, with favorable conditions supporting above-average hurricane season activity.
    Daniel Peck, ABC News, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • Courage California’s Kao said the negative ads may have reflected poorly on Steyer, whose favorability ratings were nearly 10 percentage points lower than Becerra’s in a final UC Berkeley poll in late May.
    Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 10 June 2026
  • The mother-in-law tends to be very negative, and is known to say unkind things about whoever isn’t present.
    Judith Martin, Mercury News, 10 June 2026
Adverb
  • All my scenes were across from Dwayne.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 10 June 2026
  • The larger setback specification is required because the industrial site at 1756 North Aurora is directly across from residential property, said Anna Franco, a member of the city’s planning services team.
    Marie Wilson, Chicago Tribune, 9 June 2026
Verb
  • Resistance groups formed in the wake of the coup have combined with major ethnic armed groups such as the Arakan Army to take on the military, which is fighting the rebellion on multiple frontlines.
    Reuters, NBC news, 11 Dec. 2025
  • For the moment, Canada is fighting harder, or at least more publicly, than Mexico.
    Stephania Taladrid, New Yorker, 11 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • Those starting out with smaller investment limits might consider coins or small bullions, while those with higher balances to transfer might consider using a gold IRA.
    Liz Knueven, CNBC, 16 June 2026
  • Wall Street firms have enticed retail investors into buying into the IPO — Fidelity, for example, reduced the minimum account balance allowing clients to buy into an IPO from $100,000-$500,000 to $2,000.
    Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 16 June 2026
Adjective
  • Will he ever be held accountable for his hostile behavior?
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 10 June 2026
  • While some states would be hostile to public university athletes attempts to gain employment recognition, others might be more welcoming.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 10 June 2026

Cite this Entry

“Counter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counter. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.

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