COUNTERS Synonyms: 74 Similar and Opposite Words

counters 1 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of counter

as in opposes

to strive to reduce or eliminate efforts to counter poverty in every sector of our country

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

counters

2 of 2

noun

plural of counter

as in offsets

a force or influence that makes an opposing force ineffective or less effective strong moral guidance at home is the best counter to the pernicious allure of popular culture

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in opposites

something that is as different as possible from something else her version of the domestic dispute was almost the exact counter of what actually happened

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of counters

Verb

Today, new research backed by OpenEvidence counters a high-profile study from a few weeks earlier. — Mario Aguilar, STAT, 9 July 2026 The book counters the modern obsession with algorithms and AI, arguing that the definitive differentiator in any successful modernization effort is organizational culture, psychological safety and human capability rather than the technology itself. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 29 June 2026 Iran counters that any inspections must await a final deal. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 26 June 2026 Joe counters that Angela has given up on herself, spending her days shopping and trying to control him. — Olivia Singh, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026 Conley counters that her work is focused solely on public safety and has nothing to do with immigration. — Chris McKenna, USA Today, 22 June 2026 Miles counters the ticket price by giving away a handful of tickets monthly to those in need. — Danielle Dorsey, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026 The Abundance movement counters that this undervalues those who move somewhere new and come to love it just as fiercely. — Wyatt Williams, Harpers Magazine, 9 June 2026 The West counters with the formidable Vegas Golden Knights, who just stunned and swept the Presidents’ Trophy winners. — Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 2 June 2026

Noun

The team’s coaches and players agreed to use their downtime to relearn the team’s defensive principles and to implement effective counters, such as a zone defense. — John W. Davis, Oc Register, 5 July 2026 That decrease in crowd size didn't seem to affect business too negatively, as lines for indoor and window counters extended out the door and around the building throughout the morning. — Nolan Rogalski, The Providence Journal, 5 July 2026 Zenith's Chronomaster Revival Liberty II updates a 1960s design, featuring a white dial with blue counters and a seconds hand inspired by the American flag. — Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026 Plus, the padded heel counters reduce chafing and pinching around your Achilles heel. — Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026 Some speckled quartz counters mix in gold or silver sparkles for an effect that catches the light. — Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 30 June 2026 Mobile checkout replaced traditional wrap counters. — David Moin, Footwear News, 26 June 2026 The cleaning products under your sink may be doing more than just scrubbing counters. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 25 June 2026 Beer, including Michelob Ultra, Kona Big Wave, Bud Light and Budweiser, was visible behind the counters at concession stands. — Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 25 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for counters

Verb

Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton, however, opposes the tax.

— Naomi Taxay, Sacbee.com, 10 July 2026
In traditional astrology, Venus is considered to be in its fall in Virgo — as this sign directly opposes Pisces, Venus’ exaltation — which means its natural qualities are challenged and difficult to express.

— Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 9 July 2026

Definition of opposes

Noun

The technology firms have resolved the challenge of timing through the use of renewable energy certificates, but, in my experience, year-long offsets are not adequate in meeting the current standards.

— Junaid Ali, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
To keep your plant happy and healthy, here’s the right way to water a spider plant to keep little offsets coming.

— Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 30 June 2026

Definition of offsets

Noun

Where modern novels might have opposites meeting at work, separated by a misunderstanding and reunited with a kiss and solid communication, ancient novels are quite different.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 June 2026
The two are still polar opposites; Sally is a dutiful mother who bakes beautiful cakes and avoids men while Gillian is all about finding literal Chads on Tinder.

— Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 24 June 2026

Definition of opposites

Verb

Along the way, our hero encounters the sorceress Circe, who turns his companions into pigs; makes a descent into Hades; fights the song of the sirens; and survives the island of the nymph Calypso.

— Valentina Colosimo, Vanity Fair, 14 July 2026
Rising through the ranks as a gladiator, Maximus fights his way back to Rome to seek vengeance and restore honor to the Empire.

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026

Definition of fights

Noun

Those starting out with smaller investment limits might consider coins or small bullions, while those with higher balances to transfer might consider using a gold IRA.

— Liz Knueven, CNBC, 15 July 2026
As a result, more people are turning to debt relief programs in hopes of reducing their balances and getting back on stable financial footing.

— Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 13 July 2026

Definition of balances

Verb

LilyAna’s version is also packed with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E for deep penetrating hydration that combats any of the infamous drying side effects associated with the ingredient.

— Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 16 June 2026
Saturday’s blaze comes as the city combats a massive increase in fatal fires this year.

— Emma Seiwell, New York Daily News, 23 May 2026

Definition of combats

Noun

These are all refreshing correctives to the texts that previously stood in for contemporary Japan internationally, including any number of small volumes about magical cafés, bookshops, or libraries, often with cats on their covers.

— Sarah Chihaya, New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2026
Some of these values—such as a disciplined commitment to physical fitness—are good and, in my opinion, necessary correctives to the enervating distractions of 21st-century living.

— Dan Brooks, The Atlantic, 2 Oct. 2025

Definition of correctives

Cite this Entry

Style

“Counters.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counters. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of counters

verb

noun

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