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

His comments ranged widely, covering the latest battlefield developments, efforts to counter Russian ballistic attacks, the state of peace negotiations, Ukraine’s budgetary challenges and the political turmoil surrounding Fedorov’s dismissal. — ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026 To counter this, experts advocate for proactive strategies to manage demands and achieve sustainable success. — John Hall, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026

Noun

On Wednesday, Walter’s company issued a series of bullet points aiming to counter concerns that the Dodgers may be the next asset to be sold as well as clarify some of the many questions about the sale of the Lakers. — Erik Hayden, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026 The patient facing me across my pharmacy counter in Yonkers had already lost half his right leg to diabetes. — Joel Zive, New York Daily News, 25 Aug. 2026

Adjective

There is also a similar site for counter-drone kit called C-UAS marketplace. — Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026 Once inside, visitors can experience a double-helix layout, where two counter-rotating staircases provide different routes for those going up to the top and those descending. — New Atlas, 21 Aug. 2026

Adverb

Their domestic draft proposal, in particular, runs counter to that message. — Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 24 June 2026 Critics counter that ranked choice helps candidates game the system, complicates the process, disenfranchises voters such as older adults and communities of color, and takes longer to count, which could fuel conspiracy theories. — Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for counter

Recent Examples of Synonyms for counter

Verb

The union has opposed such a window on the belief players would feel forced into subpar contracts.

— Evan Drellich, New York Times, 28 Aug. 2026
With Gaines expected to command significant attention from opposing defenses, FIU will need other playmakers to step up.

— Alejandro Hernandez, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of oppose

Noun

Dylan’s attorney, Kerry Garvis Wright, countered by saying a non-settling defendant such as Scott is only entitled to an offset for settlement of economic damages.

— Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Axelrod suggested Melton try throwing his cutter more like a four-seam fastball, with a slight offset on the grip.

— Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of offset

Noun

But other horses like that, or those that are completely the opposite, don’t have Gold Phoenix’s success rate or longevity.

— Jay Posner, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
The incentive for them is the opposite of what our forests need — protecting old, established trees that will survive pests and fire.

— Megan Schrader, Denver Post, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of opposite

Adjective

Arjun Bhatia, an analyst at William Blair who recommends buying Salesforce shares, said investors who turned negative on cloud software companies or eliminated their exposure altogether due to AI concerns, are starting to come back.

— Jordan Novet, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Much like Big Tobacco was forced to admit that cigarettes can cause cancer or Purdue Pharma was forced to stop downplaying the risks of OxyContin, this agreement now puts Meta’s core products in a negative light.

— Diane Brady, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of negative

Adverb

This type of run forces the opponent’s centre-backs to move across, and as a result, creates more space at the back post.

— Ahmed Walid, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Skywatchers will not only see the moon change color, but also witness the sharp, curved edge of Earth’s shadow steadily advancing across — and later retreating from — the lunar surface.

— Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of across

Verb

Without a clear message from Warsh, investors began to doubt the Fed’s inflation-fighting resolve.

— Brian Cheung, NBC news, 28 Aug. 2026
Federal safety investigators urged automakers to give emergency responders better guides on how to fight lithium-ion battery fires.

— Todd C. Frankel, Washington Post, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of fight

Adjective

Forecasters said the system is expected to be short-lived because of hostile environmental conditions starting on Friday that will prevent it from developing further.

— Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
Electronic warfare systems such as NGJ-MB are carried by aircraft and use advanced electronics to interfere with or counter hostile electromagnetic systems.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of hostile

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“Counter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counter. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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adverb

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