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
Those are fighting words, and, in the coming days, the Pope can counter them as much through symbolic acts as through words of peace. Paul Elie, New Yorker, 4 Apr. 2026 Their duplicitous conduct during negotiations is countered by the cold honesty of Iranian missiles. Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 4 Apr. 2026
Noun
According to her attorney, Golden stabbed her boyfriend, Calvin Sidney, in the leg after Sidney slammed her head into a counter following a baby shower. Adam Harrington, CBS News, 6 Apr. 2026 Ask for the bar, counter or a window seat. Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
Uforce is developing several defense technologies, including counter-uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), maritime and strike drones and battlefield software. Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 31 Mar. 2026 There were not any counter-protest incidents during Fort Worth’s rally. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Mar. 2026
Adverb
Defenders, meanwhile, counter that conservatives are trying to stop people from exercising their right to vote for similarly partisan reasons. Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 10 Feb. 2026 That potentially runs counter with a defendant's Sixth Amendment right to confront or question an accuser. Chris Ramirez, jsonline.com, 30 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for counter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counter
Verb
  • Jalen Brunson knows any variation of offensive plays featuring both him and All-Star teammate Karl-Anthony Towns can be difficult, nearly impossible for opposing defenses to guard.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Despite the changes, several groups continue to oppose the bill, including Mental Health America of California.
    Brady Halbleib, CBS News, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • For example, paying off overdue federal taxes or bringing a federal student loan out of default could prevent an offset entirely.
    Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Using small offset spatula, smooth into an even layer, working all the way to edges.
    Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • But that feeling, the survey found, isn’t bipartisan; Democrats (88%) and independents (66%) say the country is in bad shape, while 62% of Republicans believe the opposite.
    Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Hilton or Bianco would face the opposite in California, where many legislators would refuse to acquiesce to a Republican governor, especially one almost certain to face a swift recall, political experts said.
    Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • This may be explained by the negative connotation of technē, their word for the practice of skilled crafts and engineering.
    Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Some institutions may also charge administrative fees related to processing the bank levy, which can push the account into a negative balance.
    Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • My feet were on a board across to take my weight.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
  • The Strait of Hormuz is about 24 miles across at its narrowest point, according to the shipping analytics firm Vortexa.
    Annette Choi, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Like there was a demon in his lungs, fighting the last bit of banishment.
    Courtney Crowder, USA Today, 10 Apr. 2026
  • She was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa — an eye disease that causes vision loss — and lupus, a disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s healthy tissues and organs instead of fighting germs, according to court records.
    Chase Jordan April 10, Charlotte Observer, 10 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • But while the civil court found the war crimes allegations were mostly proven on a balance of probabilities, the war crime murder charges would have to be proved in a criminal court to a higher standard of beyond reasonable doubt.
    ABC News, ABC News, 8 Apr. 2026
  • But the actual balance was much lower.
    Carol Thompson, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Callers told police that after a brief and seemingly hostile interaction with the occupants of the vehicle, the individual left school property and was last seen walking onto Ryan Lane from Edwards Avenue.
    Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026
  • From a technical standpoint, the stock appears to be stabilizing at support just as the macro backdrop becomes less hostile to large-cap technology.
    Tony Zhang, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Counter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counter. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on counter

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster