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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 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
-
Although Perron in Stl or our own JVR in Philly would be a good counter arguments.—
Aaron Portzline,
The Athletic,
23 Feb. 2025
-
The Nets’ offense continued to cool down early in the fourth quarter, turnovers began to pile up, and Philadelphia finally found its counter punch.—
C.J. Holmes,
New York Daily News,
23 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The Senate's adoption is an early step in the process, which requires detailed work by committees to work out the details of spending, as well as of any offsets to help pay for the additional funds.—
Barbara Sprunt,
NPR,
21 Feb. 2025
-
The latest: Although the scope of the offsets is not entirely clear, lobbyists and aides don't expect using major — or possibly any — health policy changes as payfors.—
Stef W. Kight,
Axios,
11 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Presented to the public in two segments, Lightfoot’s report showed the village went from having healthy budget balances to a multimillion-dollar deficit since Henyard was elected mayor.—
Mike Nolan,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Feb. 2025
-
So far, Gen Z has sparked major change in companies, pushing for greater work life balance and hiring salaries despite some hiring managers' dissatisfaction.—
Matt Robison,
Newsweek,
25 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Counterforce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterforce. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share