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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Recent Examples of counterforce
The only country that currently has enough nuclear weapons to conceivably launch a counterforce strike against the United States is Russia, so USA TODAY based its weapons analysis on Moscow’s nuclear arsenal.
—
Davis Winkie, USA Today, 6 Jan. 2026
In view of these drawbacks, a better approach would be to adapt the current counterforce strategy for the new era.
—Vipin Narang, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
Or maybe fast-food chains did streamline their business processes with the help of new technologies, but at the same time, maybe there were productivity-sucking counterforces.
—Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 18 Mar. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for counterforce
Davis Winkie, USA Today, 6 Jan. 2026
In view of these drawbacks, a better approach would be to adapt the current counterforce strategy for the new era.
—Vipin Narang, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
Or maybe fast-food chains did streamline their business processes with the help of new technologies, but at the same time, maybe there were productivity-sucking counterforces.
—Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 18 Mar. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for counterforce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterforce
Noun
-
The rooms Suite living is the story here, with spacious layouts, full kitchens, granite counters, gas fireplaces, and balconies.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
Drip pan Each Nespresso machine has a drip pan for holding beverage containers and guarding against drips on the counter.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
1 June 2026
Noun
-
During Disney’s most recent quarterly report in early May, the company’s entertainment segment reported that streaming revenue offset declines in both linear affiliate fees and advertising.—
Lillian Rizzo,
CNBC,
31 May 2026
-
Apply a thin crumb coat of buttercream over the entire cake to seal in crumbs, using an offset spatula to smooth it evenly.—
Kate Bradshaw,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 May 2026
Noun
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On a macro level, the failure to sign a right-back last summer left the side lacking balance.—
Patrick Boyland,
New York Times,
27 May 2026
-
The room struck a balance between wild and bold, while also being cozy and inviting.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
27 May 2026
Noun
-
Paint can also be a powerful corrective.—
Sophie Flaxman,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Mar. 2026
-
These are all refreshing correctives to the texts that previously stood in for contemporary Japan internationally, including any number of small volumes about magical cafés, bookshops, or libraries, often with cats on their covers.—
Sarah Chihaya,
New Yorker,
3 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Counterforce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterforce. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.
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