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
Learning Greene’s chordal vocabulary on this record, living in his perfect counterpoint, is a constant inspiration for me.
—
Giovanni Russonello, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2025
For all their naughtiness, Wattpad movies are largely tame and regressive, and Through My Window is no exception, so its carnal openness provides a slight counterpoint to its sexist tone.
—Josh Bell, Vulture, 27 Dec. 2024
The catchy song’s verse and chorus work in counterpoint to each other, according to Robert Sherman Jr., the son of the songwriter.
—Brady MacDonald, Orange County Register, 4 Dec. 2024
Videos of their vigorous, cheerful efforts soon went viral, drew international coverage and were a forceful counterpoint to Trump’s xenophobic insults.
—Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for counterpoint 
Giovanni Russonello, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2025
For all their naughtiness, Wattpad movies are largely tame and regressive, and Through My Window is no exception, so its carnal openness provides a slight counterpoint to its sexist tone.
—Josh Bell, Vulture, 27 Dec. 2024
The catchy song’s verse and chorus work in counterpoint to each other, according to Robert Sherman Jr., the son of the songwriter.
—Brady MacDonald, Orange County Register, 4 Dec. 2024
Videos of their vigorous, cheerful efforts soon went viral, drew international coverage and were a forceful counterpoint to Trump’s xenophobic insults.
—Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for counterpoint
Thesaurus Entries Near counterpoint
Cite this Entry
“Counterpoint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterpoint. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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