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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
The Tennessee General Assembly, for example, has frequently passed and attempted to enforce legislation counter to federal law, which is later challenged in court. Melissa Brown, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 Fiscal hawks speak out Another faction in Congress has voiced opposition to the spending levels in the legislation, advocating for deeper cuts that have often worked counter to leadership's efforts to appease other members of their conferences. Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 24 June 2025
Noun
The administration counters that the injunction forces the executive branch to take steps that undermine its own policy, including negotiating with foreign governments over funds the president opposes and sending contradictory signals to Congress. Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025 On the album, which sold more than 18 million copies, Davies and Hodgson shared vocals, with Davies usually singing in a lower register to counter Hodgson’s falsetto. Greg Evans, Deadline, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
The fabric is thick, absorbent, and durable enough for daily kitchen tasks — whether that’s drying hands mid-meal prep or wiping counters down after dinner. Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2025 In the end, the depressing counter, which ended in the red, was pumped up by a pair of donations from Bargatze and CBS, bringing the end total to $350,000. Sandra Gonzalez, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2025
Adverb
That’s apparently counter to every sensible marketing thing. Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2025 The technology has direct application in counter-drone swarm operations, a growing challenge for militaries worldwide. Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for counter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counter
Verb
  • The takeover remains widely unpopular among Washington residents – some 80% oppose it, according to a Washington Post poll.
    Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Charles and Harry’s meeting aside, Prince William wasn’t the only one reportedly opposed to reconciliation.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 13 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • From the industry side, properties that promote energy-saving certifications or offer carbon-offset partnerships tend to stand out in search results and get more interest.
    Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Offsetting that — and there does seem to be an offset for everything — are the dramatic cutbacks in drilling as a result of the decline in oil prices.
    Jim Cramer, CNBC, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But when the spread narrows or inverts, the opposite happens.
    Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
  • The camera then pans to show the house opposite—where another golden is sitting in the exact same spot in its own yard, staring right back at Copper, but neither crossing the threshold on to the street.
    Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • There is also, generally speaking, universal admission that boy, this game sure runs terribly on PC, leading to a huge number of negative Steam reviews, causing the game to be Mixed there.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Then, there’s the power to see through all of that, through what could be perceived as pain or a negative situation, and see the colorfulness of my culture, the warmth of my culture, and the community, as well.
    Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • The bowl is big, almost as wide across as a soccer ball.
    Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Average ratings have dropped across almost all areas covered in the report.
    Laura Begley Bloom, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • How do Flock cameras help fight crime?
    Jennifer Jolly, USA Today, 14 Sep. 2025
  • These medications can lower the number of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that helps fight bacterial infections.
    Lindsay Curtis, Health, 14 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Nonetheless, with policy in restrictive territory, the baseline outlook and the shifting balance of risks may warrant adjusting our policy stance.
    Adeola Adeosun Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
  • The result is a fragrance that strikes the right balance between clean and confectionery, with a softness that’s like being wrapped in a cashmere blanket.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Thanks to climate change, Cosmism’s ambivalent and generally hostile attitude towards the natural world should also sound familiar.
    Tim Brinkhof, Big Think, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Another camera designed to withstand the hostile environment of space was used outside.
    Catherine Muccigrosso, Charlotte Observer, 11 Sep. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Counter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counter. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

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