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 WebJessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Apr. 2024
The program offered a stark counterpoint to the ever-frothier newscasts on the commercial networks’ local affiliates and was honored with every major broadcast journalism award.
—Elizabeth Jensen, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for counterpoint 
Noun
Here, soft shades of periwinkle offer a colorful counterpoint to white walls and fixtures.
—Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Apr. 2024
The program offered a stark counterpoint to the ever-frothier newscasts on the commercial networks’ local affiliates and was honored with every major broadcast journalism award.
—Elizabeth Jensen, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for counterpoint
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'counterpoint.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near counterpoint
Cite this Entry
“Counterpoint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterpoint. Accessed 4 May. 2024.
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