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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Some predict a large-scale destruction of employment in the imperial centers, although many economists counter that labor will be reallocated rather than replaced. — Niall Ferguson, Foreign Affairs, 20 Oct. 2026 Florida Democratic Senate candidate Angie Nixon and independent progressive Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders countered the recent onslaught of campaign advertisements against her in a double-header rally in Gainesville Sunday. — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026

Noun

The system can be used against a range of targets, including soft and lightly armored vehicles, and has also been adapted for counter-drone missions. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026 Kitchenette-style counters are perfect for mixing a drink before heading out, and every room comes outfitted with a Marshall amp mini fridge (this is Nashville, after all). — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Oct. 2026

Adjective

The teachers union, United Teachers Los Angeles, in a memo to school board members, presented a counter interpretation and said the state team exaggerated the crisis and was implicitly faulting justified wage increases. — Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026 Though in the margins there are depictions of daily life, the Tapestry isn’t revolutionary or counter-authoritarian history. — James Folta, Literary Hub, 5 Oct. 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

Verb

Les Républicains has ostensibly opposed Macron for years but cooperated regularly on areas of overlapping interests, such as economic policy.

— Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 22 Oct. 2026
The 6-foot-9 forward who signed a veteran minimum contract showed willingness to pick up opposing ball-handlers full court.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of oppose

Noun

Stifel analyst Peter McGoldrick, who covers athletics, footwear and lifestyle brands, noted that elevated input costs is likely to impact margin pressure for the 2027 calendar year before offsets.

— Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
That offset shrinks to only 38mm when installing a 280mm radiator kit.

— Thomas Soderstrom, PC Magazine, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of offset

Noun

Whatnot pointed out that some of the leading trends across the past few years are seeing their opposites pick up.

— Kanika Talwar, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2026
But the romantic and professional relationship between Holmes and former company president Sunny Balwani seemed to be the opposite.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of opposite

Adjective

As for gas, it has usually been treated as a waste product to be burned off; because there are so few pipelines to bring it to market, West Texas gas prices have even dipped negative this year.

— Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 22 Oct. 2026
The mood in the markets turned sharply negative today as traders sold off stock around the world.

— Jim Edwards, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of negative

Adverb

In contrast, the slim, circular tabletop keeps the design feeling light and airy despite measuring a generous 16 inches across.

— Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 26 Oct. 2026
The first part is a minuscule black hole, roughly three times the mass of the sun and only about 10 miles across.

— Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of across

Verb

For now, Smith and her team are on the road as the Valkyries fight to take home the WNBA Championship Trophy.

— Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
My school years passed in a sliding door moment, and all there was to behold in that frame was a young man who had to physically fight to be allowed to be someone else—himself.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of fight

Noun

The contract bars balance-billing patients beyond insured rates and limits annual adjustments to South Region medical and transportation inflation markers.

— Randy Moll, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
Interest and fees increase the loan balance, reducing equity available for future needs.

— Liz Weston, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of balance

Adjective

About 70% of the members of Brazil’s lower house and 80% of the Senate are considered to be hostile to environmental and climate agendas, according to the observatory.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
In a turnabout from Orbán’s hostile approach to Kyiv, Magyar’s government has expressed solidarity with Ukraine and designated Russia a national security threat.

— Justin Spike, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of hostile

Cite this Entry

Style

“Counter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counter. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of counter

verb

noun

adjective

adverb

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