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
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On the way out, lean your head over the pharmacy counter and say hi to Harrel’s grandson, pharmacist Nick Harrel III, who heads the operation today.—
Pam LeBlanc,
Southern Living,
26 Jan. 2025
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On the counter: The USDA recommends storing butter at room temperature no longer than 1 or 2 days.—
Annie Peterson,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 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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Electrolyte Balance: The adrenal glands ensure a proper balance of minerals in the blood, such as sodium and potassium.—
Dominique Fluker,
Essence,
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 2 Feb. 2025.
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