countermelody
noun
coun·ter·mel·o·dy
ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌme-lə-dē 
: a secondary melody that is sounded simultaneously with the principal one
Examples of countermelody in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The 21-year-old pop star slows down Drake’s uptempo 2015 smash, singing the song’s hook through waves of far-off reverb over relaxed ukulele strums and a bright synth countermelody.
—
Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 10 May 2023
In the Allegretto, few conductors can resist unleashing a juggernaut of sound when the processional main theme rises to its climactic fortissimo, but here again Blomstedt held back, making sure that the countermelody in the first violins came through clearly, with its legato all aglow.
—Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 23 Aug. 2021
Buenviaje’s take is full of chest-rumbling culinary bass notes, with a sprinkle of raw scallions providing the countermelody.
—Soleil Ho, San Francisco Chronicle, 21 June 2022
Nevertheless, the theme of failure and absence runs underneath even the most joyful passages, a countermelody that insinuates the disaster to come.
—New York Times, 28 Feb. 2021
The moment the audience came in with the countermelody will live in my heart forever.
—De Elizabeth, Teen Vogue, 1 July 2018
In the soaring conclusion, Raymond and Hekselman play the melody in ebullient unison while a countermelody loops beneath them.
—Peter Margasak, Chicago Reader, 9 Feb. 2018
Prager was confidently cueing every entrance, conveying every dynamic, and accentuating every countermelody.
—Jonathan Merrill, National Review, 8 Sep. 2017
In his work with the actors, Mr. Leon emphasizes the moments when that melody and countermelody intersect in questions of privilege and prejudice, even among lovers.
—Jesse Green, New York Times, 5 July 2017
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Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 10 May 2023
In the Allegretto, few conductors can resist unleashing a juggernaut of sound when the processional main theme rises to its climactic fortissimo, but here again Blomstedt held back, making sure that the countermelody in the first violins came through clearly, with its legato all aglow.
—Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 23 Aug. 2021
Buenviaje’s take is full of chest-rumbling culinary bass notes, with a sprinkle of raw scallions providing the countermelody.
—Soleil Ho, San Francisco Chronicle, 21 June 2022
Nevertheless, the theme of failure and absence runs underneath even the most joyful passages, a countermelody that insinuates the disaster to come.
—New York Times, 28 Feb. 2021
The moment the audience came in with the countermelody will live in my heart forever.
—De Elizabeth, Teen Vogue, 1 July 2018
In the soaring conclusion, Raymond and Hekselman play the melody in ebullient unison while a countermelody loops beneath them.
—Peter Margasak, Chicago Reader, 9 Feb. 2018
Prager was confidently cueing every entrance, conveying every dynamic, and accentuating every countermelody.
—Jonathan Merrill, National Review, 8 Sep. 2017
In his work with the actors, Mr. Leon emphasizes the moments when that melody and countermelody intersect in questions of privilege and prejudice, even among lovers.
—Jesse Green, New York Times, 5 July 2017
Cite this Entry
“Countermelody.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/countermelody. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
countermelody
noun
coun·ter·mel·o·dy
ˈkau̇nt-ər-ˌmel-əd-ē
: a secondary melody that goes along with and often contrasts with a main melody
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