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
Some may be tempted to quote Warren Buffett as a counterpoint, who was famously skeptical on the utility of gold.
—
Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2025
The Countach’s immediate successor, though, serves as a counterpoint.
—Iain MacAuley, Robb Report, 8 Oct. 2025
The show launched in 2022 by Deaton and Hilliard as counterpoint programming to New Year’s Rockin’ Eve on ABC and other programs.
—Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 6 Oct. 2025
Deaton and Harrington launched the show in 2022 on CBS as a counterpoint to other New Year’s Eve programming and immediately found the talent community to be enthusiastic.
—Melinda Newman, Billboard, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterpoint
Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2025
The Countach’s immediate successor, though, serves as a counterpoint.
—Iain MacAuley, Robb Report, 8 Oct. 2025
The show launched in 2022 by Deaton and Hilliard as counterpoint programming to New Year’s Rockin’ Eve on ABC and other programs.
—Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 6 Oct. 2025
Deaton and Harrington launched the show in 2022 on CBS as a counterpoint to other New Year’s Eve programming and immediately found the talent community to be enthusiastic.
—Melinda Newman, Billboard, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterpoint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterpoint
Noun
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In contrast, the magnesium-free glass developed a surface layer that offered little protection, allowing boron to continue diffusing out, according to a press release.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Oct. 2025
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In contrast, Cifuentes inherited senior players with strong views — many of whom may have become scarred by the two Premier League relegations and subsequent criticism from the stands.—
Rob Tanner,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
Noun
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With thick buckle straps, multiple functional pockets, a wide-leg fit, and fun leopard print, this one-and-done outfit is the perfect complement to the neutral basics already in your wardrobe.—
Mia Huelsbeck,
PEOPLE,
19 Oct. 2025
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The rookie point guard from Rutgers projects to be the perfect complement to this version of the Spurs’ franchise player and can grow alongside Wembanyama to maintain an ideal partnership.—
Jared Weiss,
New York Times,
17 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Counterpoint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterpoint. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.
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