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Definitions

counteract

[koun-ter-akt] / ˌkaʊn tərˈækt /
VERB
do opposing action
Synonyms
STRONGEST
cancel out correct counterbalance halt negate neutralize offset prevent rectify redress resist thwart
STRONG
annul buck cancel check contravene countercheck countervail cross defeat fix foil frustrate hinder invalidate negative oppose remediate right
WEAK
counterwork go against
Antonyms
STRONGEST
aid allow assist forward help worsen
STRONG
abet approve break encourage facilitate permit support uphold validate

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

None of it did much to counteract the sense that life had become too expensive.

From Slate • Mar. 25, 2026

Former Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given suggested earlier this season that keeping players up while defending corners could be an effective way to counteract Arsenal's threat.

From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026

One recent study has already demonstrated that exercise can help counteract aging linked to cancer.

From Science Daily • Mar. 2, 2026

The appeal its stance does have for some white working class voters in the constituency was insufficient to counteract that disadvantage.

From BBC • Feb. 27, 2026

I can’t even sit long enough to draw—I’m pacing back and forth on deck to counteract the motion of the sea again.

From "Challenger Deep" by Neal Shusterman

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.