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
The clashes led to visuals — protesters flying the flags of Mexico and other Latin American countries as a counterpoint to the Trump administration’s white supremacy, cars in flames, graffiti — that went worldwide and cast the City of Angels as a City in Hell.
—
Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
As money increasingly shapes the narrative in college athletics, UTSA’s upset win over Texas in Saturday’s NCAA baseball regional stood as a rare and resounding counterpoint that financial might doesn’t always guarantee victory.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 1 June 2025
His words and impact echo in the film as counterpoints to Sammie’s decision making, and the Stack twin’s expectations and protection of him.
—Nia Shumake, Essence, 15 May 2025
This year's Readers' Choice Awards winners in the body-care category offer a surprising counterpoint to all this newness.
—Sophia Panych, Allure, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterpoint
Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
As money increasingly shapes the narrative in college athletics, UTSA’s upset win over Texas in Saturday’s NCAA baseball regional stood as a rare and resounding counterpoint that financial might doesn’t always guarantee victory.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 1 June 2025
His words and impact echo in the film as counterpoints to Sammie’s decision making, and the Stack twin’s expectations and protection of him.
—Nia Shumake, Essence, 15 May 2025
This year's Readers' Choice Awards winners in the body-care category offer a surprising counterpoint to all this newness.
—Sophia Panych, Allure, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterpoint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterpoint
Noun
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In contrast, a minimum AI-ready product (MAP) strategically integrates AI from the beginning, resulting in intelligent, adaptive and anticipatory products right from day one.—
Ashay Satav,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
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This is in contrast to people with Alzheimer’s disease, where it’s known that elevated p-tau217 contributes to the brain pathology seen in that condition.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
30 June 2025
Noun
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Integration with Transit: AVs should serve as a complement to, not a replacement for, public transportation.—
Regina Clewlow,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
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Heat mainstays Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro were believed to be off-limits in any potential trade for Durant, with the thought that Durant would have arrived as a complement to the two.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
22 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Counterpoint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterpoint. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.
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