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
Skybound’s Josh Silverman offered a counterpoint on fan feedback, warning that the loudest voices rarely speak for the room.
—
Kennedy French, Variety, 23 Apr. 2026
The small-seconds subdial adds a crisp visual counterpoint that makes the whole thing even more satisfying.
—Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 22 Apr. 2026
For a more secluded experience, the South Grove Trail offers a quieter counterpoint—and is well worth the extra effort for those seeking fewer crowds.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 22 Apr. 2026
Stetson also gathered a lot of woodwinds, particularly clarinets, as a counterpoint to the trees and as a voice for the icy, violent dread that hangs over the Harkin-Cunningham nuptials.
—Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 11 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for counterpoint
Kennedy French, Variety, 23 Apr. 2026
The small-seconds subdial adds a crisp visual counterpoint that makes the whole thing even more satisfying.
—Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 22 Apr. 2026
For a more secluded experience, the South Grove Trail offers a quieter counterpoint—and is well worth the extra effort for those seeking fewer crowds.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 22 Apr. 2026
Stetson also gathered a lot of woodwinds, particularly clarinets, as a counterpoint to the trees and as a voice for the icy, violent dread that hangs over the Harkin-Cunningham nuptials.
—Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 11 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for counterpoint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterpoint
Noun
-
The throw-on-and-go silhouette feels effortlessly polished, while contrast trim adds a subtle, elevated touch.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
16 May 2026
-
By contrast, The Pig luxuriates in acres of fresh air, wrapped by lushly landscaped gardens.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 May 2026
Noun
-
Blue light blocking glasses have moderate evidence for evening use as a complement to lighting changes, not a replacement.—
Allison Palmer,
Charlotte Observer,
9 May 2026
-
Using Essie’s fresh shade Mint Candy Apple, the seafoam green was the perfect complement to the team’s new Court Origins jersey.—
Audrey Noble,
Vogue,
9 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Counterpoint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterpoint. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
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