as in to offset
to balance with an equal force so as to make ineffective
this medication will counteract the symptoms but it won't kill the infection
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 counteract
Some sunscreens only exacerbate existing redness and inflammation, but EltaMD’s is not only sensitive skin-friendly, but the green tint counteracts any naturally-occurring redness in the skin.
—
Gina Vaynshteyn,
StyleCaster,
23 June 2026
For example, their potassium content helps regulate blood pressure and counteracts the effects of sodium, thereby relaxing blood vessel walls, says Matthew Landry, PhD, RDN, DipACLM, FAND, FAHA, assistant professor of population health and disease prevention at the University of California, Irvine.
—
Kirsten Nunez,
Martha Stewart,
19 June 2026
Slovakia, like many other European countries, increased state spending to counteract the economic shocks of the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s war against Ukraine, which caused energy prices to spike.
—
ABC News,
18 June 2026
When brands lose control of their voice thanks to a lack of guardrails, the impacts are quiet, gradual and difficult to counteract.
—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for counteract
Gina Vaynshteyn,
StyleCaster,
23 June 2026
For example, their potassium content helps regulate blood pressure and counteracts the effects of sodium, thereby relaxing blood vessel walls, says Matthew Landry, PhD, RDN, DipACLM, FAND, FAHA, assistant professor of population health and disease prevention at the University of California, Irvine.
—
Kirsten Nunez,
Martha Stewart,
19 June 2026
Slovakia, like many other European countries, increased state spending to counteract the economic shocks of the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s war against Ukraine, which caused energy prices to spike.
—
ABC News,
18 June 2026
When brands lose control of their voice thanks to a lack of guardrails, the impacts are quiet, gradual and difficult to counteract.
—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for counteract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counteract
Verb
-
Considering just a few grocery deliveries can offset the cost, the savings can add up quickly for frequent shoppers.
-
The perks associated with these cards, like dining credits, hotel upgrades and digital partnerships, help offset the cost.
Verb
-
Another contractor was brought in to neutralize the green growth using nanobubble technology, which did cut back some of the green growth, but may have led to the new blue finish peeling off the bottom of the pool.
-
That legitimate gap does not, however, neutralize the resistance risk their products carry.
Verb
-
Hiltz gushed about how other athletes will correct anyone who misgenders Hiltz.
-
Along with the main shades in the lineup, there are seven color-correcting options that neutralize, brighten, and leave skin looking more refined.
Cite this Entry
“Counteract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counteract. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
