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
Employing the point/counterpoint format to confront how to build NYC ignores the skeleton in the closet of NYC construction, namely union costs.
—
Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 18 Feb. 2026
There was David Gamson, a 24-year-old electronics wizard and composer-in-training who helped to shape Cupid and Psyche 85’s extravagant layers of sampled and synthesized sound, a tapestry of iridescent edges whose startling complexity was inspired in part by his interest in classical counterpoint.
—Andy Cush, Pitchfork, 15 Feb. 2026
Robbie has always been the type of actor who knows how to shift subtly in a way that lets a camera capture the alchemy of conflicting emotions, which comes in handy as a counterpoint to the big swings happening behind that camera.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 11 Feb. 2026
Greek yogurt makes tahini creamier and a good counterpoint for the pepper sauce.
—Faye Levy, Oc Register, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for counterpoint
Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 18 Feb. 2026
There was David Gamson, a 24-year-old electronics wizard and composer-in-training who helped to shape Cupid and Psyche 85’s extravagant layers of sampled and synthesized sound, a tapestry of iridescent edges whose startling complexity was inspired in part by his interest in classical counterpoint.
—Andy Cush, Pitchfork, 15 Feb. 2026
Robbie has always been the type of actor who knows how to shift subtly in a way that lets a camera capture the alchemy of conflicting emotions, which comes in handy as a counterpoint to the big swings happening behind that camera.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 11 Feb. 2026
Greek yogurt makes tahini creamier and a good counterpoint for the pepper sauce.
—Faye Levy, Oc Register, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for counterpoint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterpoint
Noun
-
It's even found in the quiet, calming oases that is this city's epic hotel scene, a wonderful contrast to the heaving and exhilarating urban energy beyond its grand doors.—
Chris Schalkx,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Feb. 2026
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The black dial shows off Roman numerals on the top half and Arabic numerals on the bottom, a distinct look designed to be legible even in dark conditions thanks to that contrast.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
All of which were the perfect complement to a night of beer and music.—
Timothy Latterner,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Feb. 2026
-
Taylor also caught 43 passes in 2025, and could offer a nice complement to Harvey if Denver looks to the draft to bolster their RB room.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
23 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Counterpoint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterpoint. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.
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