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.

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

Powell’s counterpoint is that while those possibilities are incorporated into the Fed’s projections, their magnitude and persistence remain uncertain.

From Barron's • Feb. 18, 2026

The ceremony has long served as a counterpoint to the Oscars: looser, more unpredictable, typically mounted in a beach tent by the Santa Monica Pier.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 16, 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 there is one melodic line accompanied only by rhythm, or drones, or only by chords, there is no counterpoint.

From "Understanding Basic Music Theory" by Catherine Schmidt-Jones and Russel Jones