as in counter
a force or influence that makes an opposing force ineffective or less effective the belief that higher interest rates are an effective counterforce to inflationary pressures

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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 counterforce History shows that autocratic states like Russia are only deterred by a strong counterforce from a rival that balances it and threatens its survival. William Walldorf, TIME, 7 Mar. 2025 Achieving peace in Gaza will therefore require a counterforce to Israel’s domestic political pressures. Eric Levitz, Vox, 3 June 2024 The idea is for two pylons to be attached to a special structure on the tower with cables that are expected to exert a counterforce should the tower start tipping more dangerously. Elisabetta Povoledo, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2024 Lynch’s portrayal of Rita — a fiercely independent woman with a strong sense of her beliefs — is inspired, a quiet, grounding counterforce to Ben-Adir’s moodier depiction. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Feb. 2024 See All Example Sentences for counterforce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterforce
Noun
  • New York — Alpha Oumar Diallo hunches over a kitchen counter at a library café in Brooklyn, his nose hovering above a plastic container of brownie batter.
    Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 13 July 2025
  • Some of the requests included a stronger counter drone system, counter assault team and counter snipers on the premises, according to the report.
    Emily Mae Czachor July 13, CBS News, 13 July 2025
Noun
  • Debt underwriting revenue, however, was a slight offset, declining slightly due to lower leveraged finance activity.
    Zev Fima, CNBC, 16 July 2025
  • At that rate, afforestation offsets would cost the 200 largest fossil fuel companies around $10.8 trillion — or roughly 11% of global GDP, according to the study.
    Hayley Smith, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2025
Noun
  • Each society or jurisdiction will determine the right balance of these elements to achieve the overarching policy goals under a set of normative values.
    Paulo Carvão, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
  • Her look included an A-line poplin skirt with crisp pleats that create shape and volume and a simple white tank top, striking the perfect balance between polished and relaxed.
    Nicol Natale, People.com, 19 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Counterforce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterforce. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

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