Definition of counterforcenext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 Luxury-for-less brands have become a powerful counterforce in the fashion market, including Quince, ASOS, JW Pei, Arket, Reformation, Lulus, Atrizia, Everlane, Cos and Mango. — Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026 And where there’s no constitutional counterforce, as with the pardon power, there’s just a rampage of corruption. — Ross Douthat, Mercury News, 22 Jan. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for counterforce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterforce
Noun
  • Guests who think an occasional bottle of wine flung on the counter has rendered this custom obsolete should note that any sensible hostess will disagree.
    — Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026
  • After a long study of multiple clips, Williams urged Miller to his feet, balancing the laptop in the palm of one hand while demonstrating where the forward should place his hands at each stage of an offensive player’s drive and counter.
    — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The gorgeous and tasty caramel and cream cheese frosting looks the best when applied with a small offset spatula to give it that swirly effect on the cake.
    — Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2026
  • As an offset, the company's third quarter backlog increased 90% year over year.
    — Paulina Likos, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The contract bars balance-billing patients beyond insured rates and limits annual adjustments to South Region medical and transportation inflation markers.
    — Randy Moll, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Interest and fees increase the loan balance, reducing equity available for future needs.
    — Liz Weston, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The need for correctives is extensive, and the work is well under way.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 Oct. 2026
  • State Board of Education member Brandon Hall, a pastor from Weatherford who voted for the mandate, framed the changes as a corrective.
    — Rachel Royster. Produced with AI assistance, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Counterforce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterforce. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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