as in contrast
something or someone that is different from another especially in a pleasing way
The warm color palette of the furniture is the perfect counterpoint to the cool walls. The acidity of the sauce works in counterpoint to the richness of the dish.
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Recent Examples of counterpoint
Just beyond there, Hard Shake delivers a moodier counterpoint.
—
Melinda Sheckells, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
As a counterpoint, consider the case of Billie Eilish.
—Erin Vanderhoof, Vanity Fair, 29 Jan. 2026
That intimacy provides an emotional counterpoint to Rushdie’s more philosophical musings about art and religion, free speech and resistance, violent intent and forgiveness.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 25 Jan. 2026
This horrifying story isn’t without admirable counterpoints.
—Peter Wehner, The Atlantic, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for counterpoint
Melinda Sheckells, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
As a counterpoint, consider the case of Billie Eilish.
—Erin Vanderhoof, Vanity Fair, 29 Jan. 2026
That intimacy provides an emotional counterpoint to Rushdie’s more philosophical musings about art and religion, free speech and resistance, violent intent and forgiveness.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 25 Jan. 2026
This horrifying story isn’t without admirable counterpoints.
—Peter Wehner, The Atlantic, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for counterpoint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterpoint
Noun
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Internally, Costco has kept a formal diversity office and program in place, even as management remains predominantly white—a contrast the company acknowledges while pledging to keep pushing toward its DEI goals.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
13 Feb. 2026
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This, in stark contrast to a time when most designers developed each body part as a separate element of a traditional three-box design.—
Robert Ross,
Robb Report,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Charbonnet and Walker made up the running back duo that was the pace-changer for the Seahawks offense, the complement to their devastating aerial attack led by Sam Darnold.—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN Money,
9 Feb. 2026
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Add a Spa Treatment Having a massage or relaxing in an herbal cocoon at The Spa is the perfect complement to soaking in the tepid springs.—
Jennifer Prince,
Southern Living,
7 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Counterpoint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterpoint. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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