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 topping—a golden, flaky crescent dough sheet—provides a slightly sweet, buttery counterpoint and a satisfying textural crunch against the smooth, bubbling filling.
—
Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 16 May 2026
But less fine is Kreutzer’s decision to make Kühn’s own domestic challenges a parallel story, set up in clumsy counterpoint with Lucy’s.
—Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 15 May 2026
Got a counterpoint about why these are a great idea?
—Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 14 May 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for counterpoint
Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 16 May 2026
But less fine is Kreutzer’s decision to make Kühn’s own domestic challenges a parallel story, set up in clumsy counterpoint with Lucy’s.
—Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 15 May 2026
Got a counterpoint about why these are a great idea?
—Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 14 May 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for counterpoint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterpoint
Noun
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The rules produced by students at Eton in 1847, by contrast, outlawed the use of hands for propelling the ball.—
Thomas Adam,
The Conversation,
29 May 2026
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Blaming American negotiators Despite Israel’s displeasure with the emerging agreement, its relatively muted response stands in stark contrast to the fierce campaign Netanyahu waged against the 2015 Iran nuclear deal signed by former President Barack Obama.—
Tal Shalev,
CNN Money,
29 May 2026
Noun
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Tents are adorned with explorer-style campaign furniture and Zanzibari trunks and illuminated by Earth tones that complement—but not compete with—the natural beauty of surrounding grasslands.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
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The researchers suggest that PIP could serve as a low-cost, non-pharmacologic and effective complement to standard medical care.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
31 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Counterpoint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterpoint. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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