counter 1 of 4

counter

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noun

1
as in offset
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

2
as in opposite
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

counter

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adjective

counter

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adverb

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 counter
Verb
Baeza’s second-class-citizen status, glaringly disproportionate to his athletic gifts, runs directly counter to the core raison d’etre of the Derby’s points system, which was instituted twelve years ago to distill the talent selected for the Kentucky Derby gate. Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025 And Trump is acting counter to federal law in doing so, which is no surprise for him. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 9 June 2025
Noun
In a nutshell, Houston lacked the personnel to effectively space the floor and the schematics to counter said lack of spacing. Kelly Iko, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2025 In response, Republicans have proposed several bills that directly counter those plans. Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
But having a lineup of bottles and jars on the counter looks a little untidy. Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 3 Aug. 2025 For each of the four grill packets, place a 16-inch-long sheet of heavy-duty foil on the counter. Bethany Thayer, Freep.com, 3 Aug. 2025
Adverb
At the time the move was counter to the early industry momentum around other solutions such as Apple Pay and Google Pay and many saw it as a sign of a future where every bank had their own wallet. Scott Harkey, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025 The council action is counter to the position taken by the Naperville Financial Advisory Board, which voted 5-1 in May to recommend the adoption of the grocery tax over increasing the home rule sales tax. Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 16 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for counter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counter
Verb
  • It was frowned upon to fraternize with opposing players during batting practice, so hugging them in the first inning would be totally out of the question.
    Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2025
  • These are the Russian dissidents Putin allegedly targeted at home and abroad for aggressively opposing his autocratic kleptocracy.
    Andy Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • An Education Department spokesperson told CNBC in an email Tuesday that the department has not offset any Social Security benefits since restarting collections on May 5 and has paused future Social Security offsets.
    Annie Nova, CNBC, 13 Aug. 2025
  • And even with a partial offset, child care is a huge expense and most companies simply don’t have the margin to subsidize it.
    Abby McCloskey, Boston Herald, 3 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • This year, the opposite is true, as Shavers has put together his best case to make the team since joining the Bills as an undrafted rookie in 2023.
    Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2025
  • The Kern County Board of Education in California on Tuesday became the latest blue state board of education to pass a local resolution to keep biological males out of girls sports while its state law does the opposite.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Crone’s process isn’t just about helping the individual think positively but eliminating the negative thinking that restricts potential.
    Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2025
  • Italy The report, combined with data from BCD Travel and American Express Global Business Travel, as reported by Skift Friday, show that the negative travel sentiment rippling through Canada, Western Europe and some parts of Asia isn’t affecting those with corporate interests in the United States.
    Monica Pitrelli, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2025
Adverb
  • With mobile solutions, if a gate changes at the last minute, agents can simply walk across without needing to set up a device at the new location.
    Samuel Mueller, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
  • The Outrigger telescopes enabled the team to pinpoint the fast radio burst’s point of origin to a region measuring about 45 light-years across, an area smaller than a cluster of stars.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The issue, like many of Trump’s executive orders, will likely be fought over in court.
    BrieAnna J. Frank, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2025
  • Two engines and one hand crew are all continuing to fight the fire.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 26 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Finding that balance between using Daniels’ legs while still protecting him is something Leipold doesn’t take lightly.
    Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 25 Aug. 2025
  • This bruschetta with tomatoes and white beans delivers a great balance of protein, veggies, healthy fats and seasonings.
    Bethany Thayer, Freep.com, 24 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The cooperative exercises typically elicit a hostile response from North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un, who has steadily disapproved of the drills for years.
    Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 19 Aug. 2025
  • Their reasons are practical and emotional: 76% cited concern for LGBTQ rights in general, while 71% cited hostile social and political environments.
    Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Counter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counter. Accessed 31 Aug. 2025.

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