as in offsets
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 counteracts
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
Benadryl Extra-Strength Anti-Itch Cooling Spray counteracts the burning sensation with a cooling one.
—
Bestreviews,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Mar. 2026
This serum purportedly counteracts that, working to de-age the scalp, thus thickening and strengthening strands.
—
Tamim Alnuweiri,
InStyle,
6 Mar. 2026
Fabric softener counteracts those negative charges, neutralizing them.
—
Jolie Kerr,
Better Homes & Gardens,
1 Feb. 2026
However, orthopedic surgeons explain that the amount of sugar in the beverage actually counteracts those bone-supporting benefits.
—
Vanessa Etienne,
PEOPLE,
25 Dec. 2025
The light blue shade counteracts purple and pink tones to cover redness and veins, while the peach shade brightens and corrects sallow-looking skin.
—
Lily Wohlner,
Allure,
23 Dec. 2025
This practice counteracts your brain’s obsession with what’s wrong and builds psychological resilience, one moment at a time.
—
Jessica Weiss,
CNBC,
20 Dec. 2025
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
Benadryl Extra-Strength Anti-Itch Cooling Spray counteracts the burning sensation with a cooling one.
—
Bestreviews,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Mar. 2026
This serum purportedly counteracts that, working to de-age the scalp, thus thickening and strengthening strands.
—
Tamim Alnuweiri,
InStyle,
6 Mar. 2026
Fabric softener counteracts those negative charges, neutralizing them.
—
Jolie Kerr,
Better Homes & Gardens,
1 Feb. 2026
However, orthopedic surgeons explain that the amount of sugar in the beverage actually counteracts those bone-supporting benefits.
—
Vanessa Etienne,
PEOPLE,
25 Dec. 2025
The light blue shade counteracts purple and pink tones to cover redness and veins, while the peach shade brightens and corrects sallow-looking skin.
—
Lily Wohlner,
Allure,
23 Dec. 2025
This practice counteracts your brain’s obsession with what’s wrong and builds psychological resilience, one moment at a time.
—
Jessica Weiss,
CNBC,
20 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counteracts
Verb
-
Federal student loan default can also expose you to wage garnishment, tax refund complications, and in some cases, Social Security offsets.
-
The heavy side part feigns an almost asymmetrical look, which offsets heaviness on the ends and frames the face in a fun way.
Verb
-
This strategy neutralizes both RSV A and B strains and remains effective against numerous global variants.
-
Baking soda neutralizes odors instead of masking them, binding with the compounds that actually cause smells rather than covering them up.
Verb
-
Soon after, Hawk absentmindedly corrects Piña’s English, prompting her to air her own frustrations with their relationship.
-
This story corrects the day of week.
Verb
-
That these firms would co-sign one coin says the fear of being locked out of stablecoin infrastructure now outweighs the instinct to build a proprietary version.
-
The Heat believes that added flexibility next summer outweighs the benefit of having more money to spend this summer, though more money this summer might have allowed the Heat to sign Norman Powell to a new contract.
Verb
-
That uncertainty and rise in unemployment tends to fuel a near-term dip in demand for goods, which counterbalances the price increases from tariffs.
-
The pastel counterbalances the darker and mid-tones in the forecast.
Cite this Entry
“Counteracts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counteracts. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
