counter 1 of 4

verb

ˈkau̇n-tər How to pronounce counter (audio)
Definition of counternext
as in to oppose
to strive to reduce or eliminate efforts to counter poverty in every sector of our country

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

counter

2 of 4

noun

ˈkau̇n-tər How to pronounce counter (audio)
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

counter

3 of 4

adjective

ˈkau̇n-tər How to pronounce counter (audio)
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

counter

4 of 4

adverb

as in across

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
All of this provides leverage to counter Trump’s antidemocratic policies. — Laura Gamboa, Foreign Affairs, 31 Mar. 2025 Michel countered that businesses and clients will adjust, citing the example of parking garages used on California Avenue in downtown Palo Alto. — Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 29 Mar. 2025
Noun
Hand-cleaning edges under counters and by baseboards in bathrooms is a good idea, too. — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 30 Mar. 2025 On the other side of the capital, thousands of people who support the present republican system of government gathered Friday for a counter rally. — Arkansas Online, 29 Mar. 2025
Adjective
Bipartisan history Congress created the National Endowment for Democracy in 1983 to support democracy, extend American soft power and counter Soviet influence. — Frank Langfitt, NPR, 6 Mar. 2025 All of his hits are off right-handers, which is counter to his career norms. — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Feb. 2025
Adverb
So, the firings seem counter to the exceptions that downsizing would include law enforcement personnel who perform an essential national security function for the U.S. government. — Donald J. Mihalek, ABC News, 19 Feb. 2025 Proponents of these bills say children deserve a chance at an education that fits their individual needs, while those against them counter that the money would be better spent improving public schools to benefit a larger number of students. — Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 7 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for counter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counter
  1. oppose
  2. offset
  3. opposite
  4. negative
  5. across
  6. fight
  7. balance
  8. hostile
Verb
  • Both are opposed by the California Chamber of Commerce and Technet, a major trade association, whose members include Meta, the owner of Facebook and Instagram.
    — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 1 Apr. 2025
  • In special House elections during Trump era, fortune rarely favors opposing party In: Adam Schiff Politics Washington D.C.
    — Scott MacFarlane, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of oppose
Noun
  • Those tax cuts could add more than $9 trillion to the deficit over the next decade without offsets, according to a new analysis from the Peter G. Peterson Foundation.
    — Jonathan Easley, The Hill, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Supports Green Projects Some initiatives use mining profits to invest in reforestation, carbon offsets or sustainability programs.
    — Alex Pron, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Definition of offset
Noun
  • If addiction is the opposite of connection, then in that moment everything’s connected for her.
    — Zoe Papelis, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2025
  • How investors can adjust their perspective Yet while investors who stay the course stand to reap the biggest rewards, we’re wired to do the opposite, according to behavioral finance.
    — Lorie Konish, CNBC, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of opposite
Adjective
  • No country, state or city can continue to spend beyond its means without eventual negative repercussions.
    — Eric J. Gertler, New York Daily News, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Fifty-two percent of respondents said putting tariffs on vehicles will have a negative impact, including 53% of independents.
    — Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of negative
Adverb
  • When Lake Suwa freezes, its surface hardens into a slab some two and a half miles across.
    — Martin Fackler, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
  • The slow ride across is relaxing and often yields dolphin sightings.
    — Jennifer Stewart Kornegay, Southern Living, 22 Mar. 2025
Definition of across
Verb
  • Lansky fought attempts by the Israeli Interior Ministry to oust him from the country as an undesirable.
    — Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2025
  • While there is no vaccine to prevent the common cold nor a specific medicine to cure it, there are ways to manage your symptoms while your body fights the illness.
    — Lauren Schlanger, Verywell Health, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of fight
Noun
  • Credit card debt hits another record high Total credit card balances in the U.S. Q1 2018–Q4 2024 The line chart shows total quarterly credit card balances in the U.S. from Q1 2018 through Q4 2024.
    — Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Finding the right balance of position is proving tricky, so too the suitable impetus when on the ball.
    — Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of balance
Adjective
  • Home to one of the world’s largest refugee populations – most of them from Afghanistan – Pakistan has not always welcomed the foreigners, subjecting them to hostile living conditions and threatening deportation over the years.
    — Sophia Saifi, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Andreas typically waits until there have been three instances of potential hostile communication before asking her friend or colleague if everything is OK.
    — Angela Haupt, Time, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of hostile

Browse Nearby Words

countenancing
counter
counteraccusation
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Cite this Entry

“Counter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counter. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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