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
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Fans are probably lining up for scones in hopes of spotting Ashley crying behind the counter.—
Tom Smyth,
Vulture,
8 June 2026
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From Mumbai’s vada pav stalls to Berlin’s vegan döner counters, street food culture is increasingly built around — not adapted for — meat-free diets.—
Lauren Schuster,
Charlotte Observer,
8 June 2026
Noun
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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
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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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While some inns might feel stuffy, this one strikes a more approachable balance, with thoughtful touches like free parking, complimentary popcorn in the rooms, and welcome drinks.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
9 June 2026
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His physical defense on Wembanyama has kept the Spurs star off balance and in relative check for most of the first two games (or at least seven of the eight quarters).—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
9 June 2026
Noun
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Paint can also be a powerful corrective.—
Sophie Flaxman,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Mar. 2026
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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 12 Jun. 2026.
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