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
Take the snug, where a wall unit painted in a high-gloss chocolate brown serves as a sleek counterpoint to the deep-dish velvet sofa.
—
Laura Regensdorf, Architectural Digest, 25 Mar. 2026
Its plans to double its headcount, if confirmed, could be a striking counterpoint to the ongoing narrative that companies are no longer reliant on human staff thanks to the advent of AI.
—Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 25 Mar. 2026
Pale, dusty hues enhance natural light, offering a subtle counterpoint to the rich ornamentation, while ceiling paintings by Vicke Andrén, celebrated for his work at the Royal Swedish Opera, underscore the apartment’s artistic importance.
—Mark David, Robb Report, 23 Mar. 2026
Kicking off with the patriarch, Joe, Wills’ masterpiece is a great counterpoint to only loving looks.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for counterpoint
Laura Regensdorf, Architectural Digest, 25 Mar. 2026
Its plans to double its headcount, if confirmed, could be a striking counterpoint to the ongoing narrative that companies are no longer reliant on human staff thanks to the advent of AI.
—Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 25 Mar. 2026
Pale, dusty hues enhance natural light, offering a subtle counterpoint to the rich ornamentation, while ceiling paintings by Vicke Andrén, celebrated for his work at the Royal Swedish Opera, underscore the apartment’s artistic importance.
—Mark David, Robb Report, 23 Mar. 2026
Kicking off with the patriarch, Joe, Wills’ masterpiece is a great counterpoint to only loving looks.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for counterpoint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterpoint
Noun
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In contrast, the Fraternal Order of Eagles advocated for pensions for industrial wage laborers—for people who had worked in jobs that wore out their bodies and left them physically unable to work.—
Trevor Jackson,
The New York Review of Books,
4 Apr. 2026
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Start with one strong, anchoring piece—like a bed or sofa—then build around it with contrast.—
Angelika Pokovba,
Martha Stewart,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The country’s once-reluctant medical establishment is increasingly welcoming the way doulas complement doctors and nurses, and with insurance coverage growing fast, parents from across the economic spectrum can now take advantage.—
Laura Ungar,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Mar. 2026
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His quickness might need some refining going to the NFL level, but his gap-scheme ability and receiving ability would make for a perfect complement in a running back room.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Counterpoint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterpoint. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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