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
While federal requirements often influence those state regulations, some states have begun creating their own alliances to counter the administration’s guidance on vaccines. Matt Brown, Denver Post, 8 Feb. 2026 But the film belongs to Farmer, Jacobs’ own grandmother, who gives Hettie an unfussy sturdiness of mien and spirit to counter the growing, sighing frailty of her person, and a steady, narrow stare that occasionally seems to see through time. Guy Lodge, Variety, 7 Feb. 2026
Noun
Reservations that can be made up to 60 days in advance are recommended for the main dining room and chef’s counter. Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 26 Jan. 2026 One of the strongest counters to a potent pass rush is a steady run game. Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 25 Jan. 2026
Adjective
His ode to Armenian cuisine is now open as a counter-service restaurant in Glendale. Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2026 Footage of the incidents was assessed by counter-terrorism police, and the group was condemned by a spokesperson for British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 28 Jan. 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
  • Hunters and non-hunters alike are opposing a mule deer eradication plan on Catalina Island that was recently approved by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
    Kris Millgate, Outdoor Life, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Santa Clara, California — Mike Vrabel made his nnname in the NFL as a crunching outside linebacker, delivering punishment to opposing offenses and blowing up their plays on his way to winning multiple Super Bowl titles with the New England Patriots.
    Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 5 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Four offset barrel smokers — plus two rotisserie smokers and two hog cookers — fill the massive pit room.
    Aviva Bechky, Houston Chronicle, 6 Feb. 2026
  • The social media giant's guidance offset worries about its sky-high spending on artificial intelligence.
    , CNBC, 5 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Your security guard is the opposite of the nurse.
    Jasmin 'Iolani Hakes, Literary Hub, 5 Feb. 2026
  • But my former colleagues do the opposite.
    Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Ware finished the defeat with a negative plus/minus of minus 12.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 4 Feb. 2026
  • But his moves did little to stem the flow of negative headlines.
    Max Foster, CNN Money, 4 Feb. 2026
Adverb
  • Almost 1,000 feet across and 400 feet deep, the Blue Hole is accessible by dive boat tours.
    Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Small seed potatoes less than 2 inches across can be kept whole.
    Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Now, Mendoza tells CNN, the couple is no longer fighting to remain the United States.
    Susana Erazo, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026
  • The Franklin Park Defenders, a community group fighting the project, pushed back at the cost that has climbed since it was first floated.
    Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 6 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Find balance among them, whether that’s by mixing metals, chain weights, or different textures to achieve the perfect combination.
    Abby Morgan Lebet, Glamour, 3 Feb. 2026
  • Together, the duo represents a balance Disney has been working toward since Iger’s surprise return in 2022 — pairing creative cohesion with a leader who has delivered consistent financial performance through volatile cycles.
    Allie Canal, NBC news, 3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The program put on by the Star Tribune held a four-hour session for local journalists, which included hostile environment awareness and first aid training designed to help students make informed decisions about safety while reporting in volatile situations.
    Nick Lunemann, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026
  • Three former employees who worked under Carol Johnson, Austin’s first Civil Rights Officer, filed a federal lawsuit Thursday alleging racial discrimination, retaliation and a hostile work environment within the city’s Office of Civil Rights.
    Chaya Tong, Austin American Statesman, 3 Feb. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Counter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counter. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on counter

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!