COUNTERPOINT Synonyms: 26 Similar and Opposite Words

counterpoint

noun

Definition of counterpoint

as in contrast

something or someone that is different from another especially in a pleasing way The warm color palette of the furniture is the perfect counterpoint to the cool walls. The acidity of the sauce works in counterpoint to the richness of the dish.

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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 counterpoint For Auf der Maur, the demos represent a private counterpoint to the high-pressure world of major-label alternative rock. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 20 July 2026 Its counterpoint, La Niña, is a cooling of surface ocean waters and drier weather. — Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 July 2026 The rooftop offers a counterpoint—a setting where visitors can reconnect with their senses through elements like shade, the breeze, and seasonal plantings. — Oset Babür-Winter, Architectural Digest, 17 July 2026 Please don’t slew-foot me with your snarky counterpoint that six of those nine straight victories came against the forever-inept Los Angeles Angels and the galactically overrated New York Mets. — Steve Buckley, New York Times, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for counterpoint

Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterpoint

Noun

Samuel’s skill set is a good contrast to what Mike Evans brings.

— Trevor Woods, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
San Diego’s offense, by contrast, totaled 12 hits, the loudest being rookie Jase Bowen’s first career home run in the bottom of the fourth.

— Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of contrast

Noun

Most investors cannot independently evaluate immunology, gene editing, RNA therapeutics, complement biology, oncology biomarkers, or statistical powering assumptions in clinical trials.

— Steve Brozak, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Quinn Hughes K'Andre Miller Sebastian Cossa That’s three forward lines (including a second line built from three trades that all involved the same pick), a full complement of defensemen and even a goalie.

— Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 21 July 2026