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

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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
  • In the short film, Pitt walks into his picturesque kitchen and heads for the coffeemaker on his counter.
    Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Local hotels offer features like roll-in showers, lower counters, and braille signage to accommodate guests with various disabilities.
    Eve Chen, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Immediately pour icing over warm Cake, spreading evenly using an offset spatula.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 25 Aug. 2025
  • Just take a peek at the Walker Edison Sprague nightstand and its unexpected offset wood detail on the solid pine drawers.
    Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 15 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • At the same time, concern is growing about how certain food additives and preservatives may disrupt the gut’s delicate balance.
    Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Late in the second quarter, facing second-and-10 from the Pittsburgh 35, Rodgers led receiver Calvin Austin III perfectly with one of those off-balance wrist-flick throws 14 yards past the line of scrimmage from the far hash, for a 30-yard gain.
    Mike Sando, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The 2025 College Rankings from Washington Monthly offer a corrective.
    Bruno V. Manno, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025
  • That makes Leo’s ascension well timed to offer a corrective.
    Mike Burbach, Twin Cities, 15 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Counterforce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterforce. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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