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
Poetry in the Soil: Thematic Roots of the Exhibition
Mutu’s enigmatic works do not mimic or mock classical aesthetics but create a contemporary counterpoint.
—
Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
The Catholic Church has become a leading counterpoint to Trump’s immigration policies and tactics.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 June 2025
The move comes amid an ongoing trade war between Washington and Beijing, Africa’s largest bilateral trade partner, and is a clear counterpoint to US President Donald Trump’s new tariff regime that could hit some African nations with rates as high as 50%.
—Preeti Jha, semafor.com, 11 June 2025
Tesfaye’s bold and electric presence onstage and onscreen is an intriguing counterpoint to the thoughtful and soft-spoken man who sits for a chat about his movie.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterpoint
Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
The Catholic Church has become a leading counterpoint to Trump’s immigration policies and tactics.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 June 2025
The move comes amid an ongoing trade war between Washington and Beijing, Africa’s largest bilateral trade partner, and is a clear counterpoint to US President Donald Trump’s new tariff regime that could hit some African nations with rates as high as 50%.
—Preeti Jha, semafor.com, 11 June 2025
Tesfaye’s bold and electric presence onstage and onscreen is an intriguing counterpoint to the thoughtful and soft-spoken man who sits for a chat about his movie.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterpoint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterpoint
Noun
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During this year’s legislative sessions, House Republicans noted the contrast between teacher pay and student achievement.—
Carleen Johnson,
The Washington Examiner,
12 July 2025
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Four 2026 World Cup venues with roofs In terms of avoiding the heat, Infantino said that in contrast to the Club World Cup, the 2026 World Cup will have four stadiums with roofs - Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz Stadium), Dallas (AT&T Stadium), Houston (NRG Stadium) and Vancouver (BC Place).—
Michael Lewis,
Forbes.com,
12 July 2025
Noun
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In the offseason, however, Verse has developed his speed rush as a complement.—
Dan Pompei,
New York Times,
10 July 2025
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Like 'Grape Sensation', spent flowerheads maintain their color, providing an interesting texture complement to the fresh blooms.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
3 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Counterpoint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterpoint. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.
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