COUNTER Synonyms: 187 Similar and Opposite Words

counter 1 of 4

verb

ˈkau̇n-tər

Definition of counter

as in to oppose

to strive to reduce or eliminate efforts to counter poverty in every sector of our country

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Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

counter

2 of 4

noun

ˈkau̇n-tər

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

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

3 of 4

adjective

ˈkau̇n-tər

as in negative

opposed to one's interests was unprepared for such a strong counter campaign by opponents of the legislative bill

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

counter

4 of 4

adverb

as in across

Related Words

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

Fenix, at one point countered an avalanche Mexican destroyer attempt, stunning Penta and turning it around into a Mexican muscle buster. — Ryan Gaydos Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 Sep. 2026 As the Middle East analysts Shira Efron and Danny Citrinowicz have argued in Foreign Affairs, the attempts by Syria’s new government to counter those operations could result in Israel and Syria becoming lasting adversaries. — Jesse Marks, Foreign Affairs, 31 Aug. 2026

Noun

The grand prize includes the ultimate Front Yard Beer Hall experience with the larger 15-foot-tall inflatable beer hall, an inflatable bar counter and furniture, plus Octoberfest hats, t-shirts and koozies. — Mike Snider, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026 Magnetic strips take up zero kitchen counter or drawer space (a major win in small kitchens especially). — Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026

Adjective

Myanmar told the court that its deadly military campaign against the Rohingya was a legitimate counter-terrorism operation and did not amount to genocide. — ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026 Meanwhile, outside the Barclays Center, a large crowd of transgender activists held a counter protest to oppose the ninth Sophie Cunningham rally of the season. — Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 Aug. 2026

Adverb

Their domestic draft proposal, in particular, runs counter to that message. — Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 24 June 2026 Critics counter that ranked choice helps candidates game the system, complicates the process, disenfranchises voters such as older adults and communities of color, and takes longer to count, which could fuel conspiracy theories. — Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for counter

Recent Examples of Synonyms for counter

Verb

The union has opposed such a window on the belief players would feel forced into subpar contracts.

— Evan Drellich, New York Times, 28 Aug. 2026
With Gaines expected to command significant attention from opposing defenses, FIU will need other playmakers to step up.

— Alejandro Hernandez, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of oppose

Noun

Dylan’s attorney, Kerry Garvis Wright, countered by saying a non-settling defendant such as Scott is only entitled to an offset for settlement of economic damages.

— Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Axelrod suggested Melton try throwing his cutter more like a four-seam fastball, with a slight offset on the grip.

— Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of offset

Noun

But other horses like that, or those that are completely the opposite, don’t have Gold Phoenix’s success rate or longevity.

— Jay Posner, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
The incentive for them is the opposite of what our forests need — protecting old, established trees that will survive pests and fire.

— Megan Schrader, Denver Post, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of opposite

Adjective

And as the backlash to generative AI continues to grow, especially in creative fields, those attempts are bringing in far more negative than positive attention.

— Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 3 Sep. 2026
At least twice each fiscal year, school boards review updated financial projections and classify their districts’ fiscal health as positive, qualified or negative, after which county superintendents review each certification and may downgrade it.

— Chaewon Chung, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of negative

Adverb

This type of run forces the opponent’s centre-backs to move across, and as a result, creates more space at the back post.

— Ahmed Walid, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Skywatchers will not only see the moon change color, but also witness the sharp, curved edge of Earth’s shadow steadily advancing across — and later retreating from — the lunar surface.

— Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of across

Verb

Without a clear message from Warsh, investors began to doubt the Fed’s inflation-fighting resolve.

— Brian Cheung, NBC news, 28 Aug. 2026
Federal safety investigators urged automakers to give emergency responders better guides on how to fight lithium-ion battery fires.

— Todd C. Frankel, Washington Post, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of fight

Adjective

Kuwait's army said its air defence systems were targeting hostile missile and drone attacks.

— Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
Some recent laws, including the Safer Skies Act of 2025, grant state and local agencies (though not private-sector entities) greater license to detect and track hostile drones.

— Seth G. Jones, Foreign Affairs, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of hostile

Cite this Entry

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“Counter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counter. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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adverb

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