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
This slaw is not meant to be a creamy, cooling counterpoint to the ‘cue, but instead doubles down on the signature flavors.
—
Sheri Castle, Southern Living, 28 Aug. 2025
However, what really set Kroger’s crust apart was its subtle hint of salt, which provided a pleasant counterpoint to the sweetness of the pumpkin filling.
—Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Aug. 2025
The Gold Squad offers a lighthearted, emotional counterpoint to the often mechanical customer service model.
—Tracy Yochum, Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2025
The Joyce Theater is Manhattan’s downtown, contemporary counterpoint to all the uptown tutus.
—Faye Arthurs, Air Mail, 9 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterpoint
Sheri Castle, Southern Living, 28 Aug. 2025
However, what really set Kroger’s crust apart was its subtle hint of salt, which provided a pleasant counterpoint to the sweetness of the pumpkin filling.
—Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Aug. 2025
The Gold Squad offers a lighthearted, emotional counterpoint to the often mechanical customer service model.
—Tracy Yochum, Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2025
The Joyce Theater is Manhattan’s downtown, contemporary counterpoint to all the uptown tutus.
—Faye Arthurs, Air Mail, 9 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterpoint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterpoint
Noun
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This led to a fierce competition with the other big name of 1980s Italian fashion, Gianni Versace, whose dazzling style stood in stark contrast to Armani’s typically understated looks.—
Kati Chitrakorn,
CNN Money,
4 Sep. 2025
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The white skirt portion of the dress provided a bold contrast to the top and was covered in oversized black polka dots.—
Starr Bowenbank,
PEOPLE,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
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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,
5 Sep. 2025
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The company frames its program as a complement to deeper investments in housing and quality of life, and the beginning of a new method towards development.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
3 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Counterpoint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterpoint. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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