counteract
verb
coun·ter·act
ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈakt 
counteracted; counteracting; counteracts
: to make ineffective or restrain or neutralize the usually ill effects of by means of an opposite force, action, or influence
a drug used to counteract fatigue
Examples of counteract in a Sentence
The drug will counteract the poison.
this medication will counteract the symptoms but it won't kill the infection
Recent Examples on the Web
But in early April, Canada also faced Trump's reciprocal tariffs aimed at raising U.S. tariffs to match other countries' rates and counteract non-tariff barriers.
—
David Lawder and Andrea Shalal, USA TODAY, 12 Mar. 2025
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, 12 Mar. 2025
Working compost into the soil or applying it as a topdressing slowly improves soil structure and counteracts compact soils and pH issues.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Mar. 2025
To counteract the slower economic growth, the Federal Reserve could lower interest rates from about 4.25% to around 2.5%, according to the Economic Policy Institute.
—Lorie Konish, CNBC, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for counteract
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David Lawder and Andrea Shalal, USA TODAY, 12 Mar. 2025
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, 12 Mar. 2025
Working compost into the soil or applying it as a topdressing slowly improves soil structure and counteracts compact soils and pH issues.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Mar. 2025
To counteract the slower economic growth, the Federal Reserve could lower interest rates from about 4.25% to around 2.5%, according to the Economic Policy Institute.
—Lorie Konish, CNBC, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for counteract
Cite this Entry
“Counteract.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counteract. Accessed 17 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
counteract
verb
coun·ter·act
ˌkau̇nt-ə-ˈrakt
: to lessen the force, action, or influence of : offset
a drug that counteracts a poison
Medical Definition
counteract
transitive verb
coun·ter·act
ˌkau̇nt-ə-ˈrakt
: to make ineffective or restrain or neutralize the usually ill effects of by an opposite force
vitamin K counteracts the effects of warfarin
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