as in counter
a force or influence that makes an opposing force ineffective or less effective
the belief that higher interest rates are an effective counterforce to inflationary pressures
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Recent Examples of counterforce
In many ways, the logic of a counterforce strategy parallels the logic of traditional military strategy.
—
Charles L. Glaser, Foreign Affairs, 5 Oct. 2023
Despite this, America’s counterforce lead has actually grown.
—Matthew Gavin Frank, Harper's Magazine, 3 May 2023
There must be a counterforce that comes from within Congress.
—USA TODAY, 25 July 2023
Photo illustration: Annie Zhao Excitement over artificial intelligence is proving a powerful counterforce for a tech economy that had been slowing, lifting share prices and growth outlooks at many giants and igniting a wave of new startups.
—Tom Dotan, WSJ, 6 July 2023
See all Example Sentences for counterforce 
Charles L. Glaser, Foreign Affairs, 5 Oct. 2023
Despite this, America’s counterforce lead has actually grown.
—Matthew Gavin Frank, Harper's Magazine, 3 May 2023
There must be a counterforce that comes from within Congress.
—USA TODAY, 25 July 2023
Photo illustration: Annie Zhao Excitement over artificial intelligence is proving a powerful counterforce for a tech economy that had been slowing, lifting share prices and growth outlooks at many giants and igniting a wave of new startups.
—Tom Dotan, WSJ, 6 July 2023
See all Example Sentences for counterforce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterforce
Noun
-
Mind you, his top-corner finish on the counter (below) came seconds after the match officials turned a blind eye to the most blatant foul inside Real’s box (above).—
Phil Hay,
The Athletic,
17 Jan. 2025
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And there are photos and videos of Piper in the kitchen — sitting on a counter dumping eggs into the bowl of a KitchenAid mixer and bouncing a pan of batter on the counter to knock out the air bubbles.—
Lisa Gutierrez,
Kansas City Star,
16 Jan. 2025
Noun
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As does a menu of potential spending offsets proposed by House Republicans, which includes a new fee for EVs and the elimination of a tax credit loophole for leasing them.—
Andrew J. Hawkins,
The Verge,
22 Jan. 2025
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House Energy and Commerce Committee Republicans met Tuesday to suss out how changes to Medicaid or other health care measures could be used as offsets in a reconciliation bill.—
Peter Sullivan,
Axios,
15 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Yet, along the way, technology has knocked the news industry off balance.—
Dan Gardner,
Forbes,
20 Jan. 2025
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Though, trashing Las Palmas doesn’t remove pressure of finding a balance versus stronger teams.—
Mario Cortegana,
The Athletic,
20 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near counterforce
Cite this Entry
“Counterforce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterforce. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
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