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 counterpoint is that stock markets operate similarly to prediction markets and are not considered gambling.
—
Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 9 Mar. 2026
California voters approved a similar measure last fall as a counterpoint to Republicans' unusual mid-cycle redistricting that began in Texas.
—Meg Kinnard The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 6 Mar. 2026
California voters approved a similar measure last fall as a counterpoint to Republicans’ unusual mid-cycle redistricting that began in Texas.
—Meg Kinnard, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026
The beauty and breadth of the landscape stand in counterpoint to the horrors of the human lives playing out upon it.
—Literary Hub, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for counterpoint
Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 9 Mar. 2026
California voters approved a similar measure last fall as a counterpoint to Republicans' unusual mid-cycle redistricting that began in Texas.
—Meg Kinnard The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 6 Mar. 2026
California voters approved a similar measure last fall as a counterpoint to Republicans’ unusual mid-cycle redistricting that began in Texas.
—Meg Kinnard, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026
The beauty and breadth of the landscape stand in counterpoint to the horrors of the human lives playing out upon it.
—Literary Hub, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for counterpoint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterpoint
Noun
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The rooms Quietly radiant, the 89 accommodations are aesthetically a lovely contrast to the public zones, featuring deeper, warmer tones of wood in curvaceous silhouettes that evoke femininity, with plush carpeting that echoes tatami mats.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Mar. 2026
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In contrast to Clemson’s special campaign, USC has had something of a mulligan season in 2025-26.—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
New York Times,
21 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Which is, on paper, a savvy complement to Sutton, who can move the chains, body up smaller foes outside the hashes and win jump balls in the end zone.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
21 Mar. 2026
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Dill is an easy herb to grow and its unique anise flavor complements salads and meats and adds tang to a jar of pickles.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
15 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Counterpoint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterpoint. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.
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