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
Shake Brittany Howard alternating between serene high notes and a vinegary rock howl with Cyrus playing chipper, clean counterpoint over production that barrels through disco, synth pop, and French house.
—
Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 3 June 2025
Hamas has responded to Witkoff’s latest proposal with three counterpoints, according to a senior Hamas official.
—Dana Karni, CNN Money, 29 May 2025
Anish Kapoor and Cecil Balmond’s Orbit pushes into the East London skyline, with its deliberate counterpoint of wobble and structure.
—Sarah Beckwith, New Yorker, 26 May 2025
Lemley noted that some of those considered for the Peace Prize are chosen after coming to prominence and that Hood's nomination serves as a counterpoint to them.
—James Powel, USA Today, 26 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterpoint
Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 3 June 2025
Hamas has responded to Witkoff’s latest proposal with three counterpoints, according to a senior Hamas official.
—Dana Karni, CNN Money, 29 May 2025
Anish Kapoor and Cecil Balmond’s Orbit pushes into the East London skyline, with its deliberate counterpoint of wobble and structure.
—Sarah Beckwith, New Yorker, 26 May 2025
Lemley noted that some of those considered for the Peace Prize are chosen after coming to prominence and that Hood's nomination serves as a counterpoint to them.
—James Powel, USA Today, 26 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 4 Jul. 2025.
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