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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Recent Examples of counterpoint
In a startup world obsessed with constant momentum, Ravinna’s story offers a rare counterpoint.
—
Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 24 Feb. 2026
The kitchen flows directly into a family room wrapped around an oversized fireplace, a warm counterpoint to the minimalist architecture of the house and the constant blue horizon outside.
—David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 21 Feb. 2026
The primary suite includes a fitness area and a Turkish bath, while a top-level bar and cinema lounge add a playful counterpoint to the architectural rigor.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 20 Feb. 2026
The light tang makes a delicious counterpoint to extra-sweet desserts.
—Molly Allen, Southern Living, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for counterpoint
Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 24 Feb. 2026
The kitchen flows directly into a family room wrapped around an oversized fireplace, a warm counterpoint to the minimalist architecture of the house and the constant blue horizon outside.
—David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 21 Feb. 2026
The primary suite includes a fitness area and a Turkish bath, while a top-level bar and cinema lounge add a playful counterpoint to the architectural rigor.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 20 Feb. 2026
The light tang makes a delicious counterpoint to extra-sweet desserts.
—Molly Allen, Southern Living, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for counterpoint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterpoint
Noun
-
In contrast, Rogge worked with casting director Piergiorgio del Moro, looking for distinctive faces, as told to Nicole Phelps in a preview pre-show.—
Lucy Maguire,
Vogue,
27 Feb. 2026
-
The black gloves and Hough’s black earrings provided color palette contrast.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The hairstyle was the ideal complement to the outfit too, with loose, light waves that were parted in the middle and placed behind her ears.—
María Diez,
Glamour,
2 Mar. 2026
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Treat them as a complement to your doctor, not a replacement.—
Melissa Rudy,
FOXNews.com,
2 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Counterpoint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterpoint. Accessed 6 Mar. 2026.
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