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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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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Dissimilar Words

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
But in that scenario, enabling Ukraine to target Russian missile launchers and defense production sites—combined with continued economic pressure—will be even more essential to helping Ukraine counter Russian escalation. — Eric Ciaramella, Foreign Affairs, 14 Oct. 2026 Utah countered with a goal each time Toronto scored in the second period. — ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026
Noun
The latest attacks mean that five ships have been attacked in the exclusive economic zones of NATO member countries—spurring requests for NATO to redeploy counter-drone systems to provide more protection. — Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 14 Oct. 2026 In a counter claim, Xuan accused Diaz of being drunk at work and trying to strangle him. — James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
Adjective
Tenpenny powered through a range of vocals — the lead, harmonies and some answer lines that provided counter melodies. — Tom Roland, Billboard, 2 Oct. 2026 Numan said Iraq had established two joint Iraqi-Kurdish brigades focusing on counter-ISIS operations. — Jane Arraf, NPR, 30 Sep. 2026
Adverb
Then, counter with your own inspection and maintenance records. — Sharon Wu, USA Today, 17 July 2026 Investigators with the Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal later reviewed Ring camera footage from inside the home, which showed the family’s dog, Bo, jumping onto the kitchen counter before inadvertently activating the toaster. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 14 July 2026 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
  • Before the hearing began, several dozen people rallied outside the courthouse to oppose the continuing presence of the military in the city.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Many of those executed were arrested in Derna and Benghazi cities during or after conflicts between the LNA and opposing armed groups between 2014 and 2018, according to the Wednesday report.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of oppose
Noun
  • That offset shrinks to only 38mm when installing a 280mm radiator kit.
    — Thomas Soderstrom, PC Magazine, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Using an offset spatula, spread meringue evenly over blondie, covering from edge to edge.
    — Tanya Bush, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of offset
Noun
  • Even while dripping in haute couture, Edebiri somehow never appears stuffy or unapproachable — quite the opposite.
    — Bianca Betancourt, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The current twins, Declonius and Salton, are feuding opposites, both of whom find ways to lure Batter into their schemes.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of opposite
Adjective
  • To that end, Musk’s average favorability rating — net negative 16 percentage points as of Wednesday, according to Decision Desk HQ — has additionally improved, although only slightly, since July 2025 when his favorability was at its nadir.
    — Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The beats create ample negative space for Holden to employ riskier flows, often deploying a double-time pace to burn through technically dense passages.
    — Matthew Ritchie, Pitchfork, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of negative
Adverb
  • Along the back wall, Neanderthals kept a row of small hearths, around 50 centimeters across and spaced a meter or so apart, with almost no debris around them.
    — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Dippie’s mural, at 60 feet in height and nearly 20 feet across, is a formidable presence within the city’s creative landscape.
    — David Moin, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of across
Verb
  • The rebels urged their forces to continue fighting and called on Tigrayans to support them.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2026
  • North Korean engineers have learned from time spent working in Russia’s massive Yelabuga drone factory, and North Korean forces fighting alongside Russia have gained firsthand experience in integrating drones into modern combat.
    — Andrea Kendall-Taylor, Foreign Affairs, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of fight
Noun
  • Courtney is in school to become a nurse practitioner, which added even more pressure to a home-and-work-life balance.
    — Gregory Royal Pratt, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Usher syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that causes vision loss, hearing loss and balance issues, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
    — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of balance
Adjective
  • That night, Lee goes to Ginger’s house to tell her what happened — about his hostile showdown with the rupidoop, about Brawny Dude With the Butter Candies checking out Lee’s van in the Boontill parking lot.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The trip to Leeds is another daunting assignment for United in what is usually a hostile atmosphere.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026
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 20 Oct. 2026.

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