counterpoint

[koun-ter-point] / ˈkaʊn tərˌpɔɪnt /

NOUN

contrast

Synonyms

STRONG

antithesis contradiction contradistinction differentiation disagreement inverse oppositeness opposition

Antonyms

STRONG

agreement harmony peace

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Long seen as a philosophical counterpoint to “2001,” the film turns isolation inward, where the danger isn’t running out of resources but being unable to escape yourself.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2026

Thanks to his subject matter and materials, Mr. Otsuki’s work feels timeless, while his intentional, unshowy formal choices make it an invigorating counterpoint to so much of the noisy art popular at the moment.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 2026

As a counterpoint, Lanier had Goodrow detail the addition of features including viewing recommendations, auto-play for videos and ads, and a version of YouTube designed specifically for children.

From Barron's • Feb. 23, 2026

He tells BBC Newsbeat the darker themes of Wuthering Heights "felt like the perfect counterpoint and pivot away from Brat".

From BBC • Feb. 12, 2026

If we could listen to them all at once, fully orchestrated, in their immense ensemble, we might become aware of the counterpoint, the balance of tones and timbres and harmonics, the sonorities.

From "The Lives of a Cell" by Lewis Thomas