coun·ter·point
ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌpȯint 
1
a
: a complementing or contrasting item : opposite
b
: use of contrast or interplay of elements in a work of art (such as a drama)
2
a
: one or more independent melodies added above or below a given melody
b
: the combination of two or more independent melodies into a single harmonic texture in which each retains its linear character : polyphony
counterpointed; counterpointing; counterpoints
1
: to set off or emphasize by juxtaposition : set in contrast
counterpoints the public and the private man—
Tom Bishop
Tom Bishop2
: to compose or arrange in counterpoint
Examples of counterpoint in a Sentence
Noun
The guitar and bass are played in counterpoint.
The dressing is a refreshing counterpoint to the spicy chicken.
The painting is a pleasant counterpoint to his earlier works.
The music works in counterpoint to the images on the screen.
Verb
The violence of the movie is counterpointed by ironic humor.
Recent Examples on the Web
Spin Staff, SPIN, 20 Nov. 2024
But the winter cheer constantly proves an ironic counterpoint to all the darkness.
—Keith Phipps, Vulture, 17 Nov. 2024
Christopher Smith, Orange County Register, 23 July 2024
The design inspiration will be European throughout the home, featuring a paint palette that is white and shades of gray that are visually counterpointed with wood accents and matte black pulls, door handles, and shower and bath fixtures.
—John R. Ellement, BostonGlobe.com, 12 July 2023
See all Example Sentences for counterpoint 
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.
Noun
The film provides a counterpoint to that narrative.
—Spin Staff, SPIN, 20 Nov. 2024
But the winter cheer constantly proves an ironic counterpoint to all the darkness.
—Keith Phipps, Vulture, 17 Nov. 2024
Verb
Artful costuming design is the goth-ish palette of pollution — blacks, bleak grays, gritty silvers counterpointed only by pristine white.
—Christopher Smith, Orange County Register, 23 July 2024
The design inspiration will be European throughout the home, featuring a paint palette that is white and shades of gray that are visually counterpointed with wood accents and matte black pulls, door handles, and shower and bath fixtures.
—John R. Ellement, BostonGlobe.com, 12 July 2023
See all Example Sentences for counterpoint
Dictionary Entries Near counterpoint
Cite this Entry
“Counterpoint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterpoint. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share