counter 1 of 4

counter

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noun

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

counter

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adjective

counter

4 of 4

adverb

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of counter
Verb
Cole added a butcher block counter for folding clothes to make the most of the space. Lennie Omalza, The Courier-Journal, 10 July 2025 The election board’s interpretation runs completely counter to that fundamental ingredient. Don Harmon, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2025
Noun
Democrats counter that reopening first would strip them of all leverage to secure the subsidies. Nik Popli, Time, 21 Oct. 2025 The White House countered young, domestic talent can be called upon to fill holes in America’s health care labor force. Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
At the front counter, cut cheese and sausage got hit with Stop Sales for the same reason. David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 27 Oct. 2025 What started as a kitchen-counter operation grew into more than a $100-million business. Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 26 Oct. 2025
Adverb
Patients usually recover on their own and can take steps to manage symptoms, including using over-the counter medications for pain and fever and making sure to stay hydrated. Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2025 Build bridges and democratic alternatives Bringing together people across ideological and other divides can increase understanding and counter political polarization, particularly when religious leaders are involved. Shelley Inglis, The Conversation, 19 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for counter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counter
Verb
  • Kentucky Republican Rand Paul has opposed the legislation on multiple occasions.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2025
  • The group exhausts and irritates opposing pitchers.
    Andy McCullough, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The calendar, which is printed on carbon offset paper with vegetable inks, features a different rescue dog each month, each with their own survival story and wearing their own fabulous fascinator.
    Monique Jessen, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
  • The bottom line is that when the Federal Reserve lowers interest rates, borrowing costs generally will come down; however, the offset is that the rate of return for checking and savings accounts will fall.
    Kevin Cerveny, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Non-itemizers should consider doing the opposite and wait until 2026 to donate their cash to get a deduction, experts said.
    Medora Lee, USA Today, 25 Oct. 2025
  • While most of us would see a hug as something positive, new research from New York's Binghamton University suggests that not every embrace comes from a place of affection—in fact, quite the opposite.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The negative response to Beijing’s tactics also prompted the G7 to vow a united front against the export controls, Yardeni pointed out.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2025
  • If the bat is negative, individuals will not need post-exposure treatment.
    Caroline Neal, Louisville Courier Journal, 24 Oct. 2025
Adverb
  • The circular stone ruins stretched about 40 feet across and matched the general design of a Roman burial mound, or tumulus, archaeologists said.
    Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Models predict that neutron stars are about a dozen or so miles across, but their exact radius has always been unclear.
    Keith Cooper, Space.com, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • That’s after the consumer price index for September inched up but came in below forecasts, clearing the way for the Fed to focus more on the maximum-employment side of its mandate than the inflation-fighting side.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Inflammation is the immune system’s response to fight against infection or disease.
    Merve Ceylan, Health, 26 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Subtle hints of vanilla bean and cocoa add sweetness and balance to the scent profile, and its black jar goes with just about anything.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Oct. 2025
  • The remaining balance would be paid directly to Black folk once a year.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The mob of rioters grew more hostile and violent, advancing toward agents and began throwing rocks and other objects at agents, including one that struck Chief Greg Bovino in the head.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Afghan refugees like him await their asylum decisions in an increasingly hostile climate marked by ICE raids and deportations.
    Vidushi Mishti Sharma, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Counter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counter. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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