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
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Recent Examples of counteract
Fabric softener counteracts those negative charges, neutralizing them.
—
Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Feb. 2026
To counteract dryness that can sometimes come with exfoliation, this serum also includes panthenol, a humectant that helps attract moisture to the skin.
—Deanna Pai, Allure, 29 Jan. 2026
Three years of growth and dedicated time to the craft of basketball counteracted one solitary misfire.
—Caleb Yum, Austin American Statesman, 29 Jan. 2026
Both Gemini telescopes are known for advanced observing techniques that help counteract the blurring effects of Earth's atmosphere.
—Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for counteract
Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Feb. 2026
To counteract dryness that can sometimes come with exfoliation, this serum also includes panthenol, a humectant that helps attract moisture to the skin.
—Deanna Pai, Allure, 29 Jan. 2026
Three years of growth and dedicated time to the craft of basketball counteracted one solitary misfire.
—Caleb Yum, Austin American Statesman, 29 Jan. 2026
Both Gemini telescopes are known for advanced observing techniques that help counteract the blurring effects of Earth's atmosphere.
—Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for counteract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counteract
Verb
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Costco is working to offset the cost of tariffs and is raising prices selectively.—
Nathaniel Meyersohn,
CNN Money,
7 Feb. 2026
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Like Beck, Moniak rated negatively in defensive WAR in ’25, but the defensive drawback could be offset by platooning him in right field.—
Kyle Newman,
Denver Post,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The threat has been neutralized, and there is no danger to commercial travel in the region.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Feb. 2026
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Most of them were neutralized, but unfortunately not all.—
Washington Examiner Staff,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Feb. 2026
Verb
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This story has been updated with new information, to reframe parts of the story and to correct spelling errors.—
Steve Patterson,
Florida Times-Union,
5 Feb. 2026
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Problems arise when trees interfere with power lines, but professional pruning can correct this.—
Lee Wallender,
The Spruce,
5 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Counteract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counteract. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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