contrapuntal

adjective

con·​tra·​pun·​tal ˌkän-trə-ˈpən-tᵊl How to pronounce contrapuntal (audio)
1
: polyphonic
2
: of, relating to, or marked by counterpoint
contrapuntally
ˌkän-trə-ˈpən-tᵊl-ē How to pronounce contrapuntal (audio)
adverb

Examples of contrapuntal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The bidding has a pace and a rhythm that are almost contrapuntal. — Sean Williams, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026 Some of the choral lines have a solemn contrapuntal richness that harks back to the Baroque. — Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 5 Aug. 2024 Then-current neoclassicism is evident in bright scorings — for double winds and brass, strings and timpani — and patches of contrapuntal business. — Scott Cantrell, Dallas Morning News, 6 Mar. 2026 With its emphasis on virtuosity and advanced harmonies and contrapuntal rhythms, be-bop required the utmost skill and dedication. — George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Jan. 2024 See All Example Sentences for contrapuntal

Word History

Etymology

Italian contrappunto counterpoint, from Medieval Latin contrapunctus — more at counterpoint entry 1

First Known Use

1816, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of contrapuntal was in 1816

Browse Nearby Words

contraption
contrapuntal
contrapuntist
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Contrapuntal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contrapuntal. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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