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
TikTok clips and algorithmic playlists may help lead kids toward Hum, Failure, Swervedriver or Lovesliescrushing, but Slide Away gives that discovery physical form — a real-world counterpoint to increasingly homogenized corporate festival culture.
—
Jonathan Cohen, SPIN, 13 May 2026
Consisting of jamesjamesjames, Varg²™, Eurohead, and Skarp, the outfit nakedly endeavors to reappraise the richly earnest sounds of 2010s Swedish EDM, known for its pointillistic, high-octave melodies and counterpoints that, at their best, imbue big-room propulsion with butterflies in the stomach.
—Nathan Evans, Pitchfork, 12 May 2026
Every seating unfolds to a soundtrack of 90s hip-hop, an unexpected but perfect counterpoint that keeps the room relaxed, energetic, and quietly joyful.
—Lori Fredrich, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 May 2026
Perhaps my favorite counterpoint to zero-sum business thinking is a concept called kyōsei.
—Big Think, 7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for counterpoint
Jonathan Cohen, SPIN, 13 May 2026
Consisting of jamesjamesjames, Varg²™, Eurohead, and Skarp, the outfit nakedly endeavors to reappraise the richly earnest sounds of 2010s Swedish EDM, known for its pointillistic, high-octave melodies and counterpoints that, at their best, imbue big-room propulsion with butterflies in the stomach.
—Nathan Evans, Pitchfork, 12 May 2026
Every seating unfolds to a soundtrack of 90s hip-hop, an unexpected but perfect counterpoint that keeps the room relaxed, energetic, and quietly joyful.
—Lori Fredrich, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 May 2026
Perhaps my favorite counterpoint to zero-sum business thinking is a concept called kyōsei.
—Big Think, 7 May 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 18 May. 2026.
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