as in to oppose
to strive to reduce or eliminate
efforts to counter poverty in every sector of our country
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1
as in offset
a force or influence that makes an opposing force ineffective or less effective
strong moral guidance at home is the best counter to the pernicious allure of popular culture
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2
as in opposite
something that is as different as possible from something else
her version of the domestic dispute was almost the exact counter of what actually happened
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as in negative
opposed to one's interests
was unprepared for such a strong counter campaign by opponents of the legislative bill
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Examples of counter in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Kiana Murden, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2024
Siegel countered the suit and claimed that the low amount was a result of Lisa Marie’s excessive spending.
—Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 8 Oct. 2024
Steve Appleford, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2024
The employee walked from behind the counter to give Clinton − not current President Joe Biden − a hug.
—Taylor Ardrey, USA TODAY, 14 Oct. 2024
Karen Weaver, Forbes, 24 Sep. 2024
Kyiv’s cross-border incursion is unlikely to mark an attempt to occupy Russian territory, but is more likely a counter attack against similar offensives carried out by Moscow on Ukrainian soil, particularly in the Kharkiv region.
—Ruxandra Iordache, CNBC, 9 Aug. 2024
Felicia Wong, Foreign Affairs, 16 Nov. 2021
In short, raising the bar on expectations and requirements has actually driven academic achievement, counter to the prevailing practice.
—Rahm Emanuel, Washington Post, 25 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for counter 
Verb
Though the formula is rich in exfoliants and enzymes, these are countered by glycerin, allantoin, and ceramides which simultaneously nourish and strengthen the skin barrier.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2024
Siegel countered the suit and claimed that the low amount was a result of Lisa Marie’s excessive spending.
—Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 8 Oct. 2024
Noun
Years later, Brown would embark on life as a musician and busy producer-engineer, working on records by the Smashing Pumpkins, Afghan Whigs, Miley Cyrus and his own indie rock band Catherine, but a stint behind the counter always eluded him.
—Steve Appleford, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2024
The employee walked from behind the counter to give Clinton − not current President Joe Biden − a hug.
—Taylor Ardrey, USA TODAY, 14 Oct. 2024
Adjective
This is counter to the argument that is made by many that perhaps football should break away and form a semi-professional organization.
—Karen Weaver, Forbes, 24 Sep. 2024
Kyiv’s cross-border incursion is unlikely to mark an attempt to occupy Russian territory, but is more likely a counter attack against similar offensives carried out by Moscow on Ukrainian soil, particularly in the Kharkiv region.
—Ruxandra Iordache, CNBC, 9 Aug. 2024
Adverb
Such efforts to control the social effects of trade run directly counter to the dominant approach pursued in Washington for decades, which sought to encourage unrestricted international commerce.
—Felicia Wong, Foreign Affairs, 16 Nov. 2021
In short, raising the bar on expectations and requirements has actually driven academic achievement, counter to the prevailing practice.
—Rahm Emanuel, Washington Post, 25 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for counter
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'counter.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Counter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counter. Accessed 24 Oct. 2024.
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