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
At a time when the United States has tense relationships with many of its overseas allies, international tourists' appreciation of American culture offers a counterpoint to the animosity between politicians.
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Ava Berger,
NPR,
19 June 2026
The palette includes lemon yellow, sunbeam orange and ocean blue, with black structural mesh as a counterpoint to these hues.
—
Jaden Thompson,
Footwear News,
16 June 2026
Its mild earthiness offers a nice counterpoint to the savory tomato sauce and punchy spices in the drink too, Hale tells us.
—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 June 2026
Mozart even credited her with inspiring him to explore more complex Baroque counterpoint.
—
Chip Bell,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for counterpoint
Ava Berger,
NPR,
19 June 2026
The palette includes lemon yellow, sunbeam orange and ocean blue, with black structural mesh as a counterpoint to these hues.
—
Jaden Thompson,
Footwear News,
16 June 2026
Its mild earthiness offers a nice counterpoint to the savory tomato sauce and punchy spices in the drink too, Hale tells us.
—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 June 2026
Mozart even credited her with inspiring him to explore more complex Baroque counterpoint.
—
Chip Bell,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for counterpoint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterpoint
Noun
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By contrast, retirees enjoy a financial edge in such states as Minnesota, Utah and Colorado, where residents enjoy high retirement income and expenses that are relatively manageable.
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In contrast, the living room offers a calmer palette of sky blues and earthy browns.
Noun
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Her haircut, soft and voluminous, is a perfect complement for her hat—this time in a celestial shade—and her lips, painted in a mauve hue.
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Forenza doesn't think the tech should replace a traditional therapist, but a device behind your ear giving you a heads up to take a deep breath might work as a complement.
Cite this Entry
“Counterpoint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterpoint. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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