Synonyms for counteract

Most common

thwart · resist · undermine · weaken · neutralize · counterbalance · off-set

Synonyms by meaning

Verb

Noun

Antonyms

help, assist, re-enforce

All antonyms of counteract →

Definitions

1. v. 1

   To have a contrary or opposing effect or force on someone or something.

2. v. 2

   To deliberately act in opposition to, to thwart or frustrate.

3. n. 1

   An action performed in opposition to another action.

Related words

Word family

counteraction counteractive

Forms

Plural

counteracts → set-offs, counter-mines…

Past participle

counteracted
e.g. counteracted → thwarted, resisted, undermined, weakened…

Example sentences

• resist Tom and Mary said they couldn't resist doing that.
• undermine Change has the potential to undermine our identity.
• weaken This could profoundly weaken the Algerian economy.
• thwart A moat was dug around the castle to thwart attackers.
• neutralize Flavio can try using antibiotics to neutralize the bacteria.
• counterbalance I don't exercise enough to counterbalance the amount of calories I take in.

Popularity over time

Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.

By length

4 letters

foil¹, balk¹

5 letters

cross¹, spoil¹, elude², baulk

6 letters

defeat², resist², oppose², weaken², hinder², thwart¹, baffle²

7 letters

balance², correct², subvert²

8 letters

sabotage³

9 letters

undermine³, frustrate², discomfit

10 letters

compensate³, contradict³, neutralize³, antagonize⁴, neutralise, contravene³, antagonise, disconcert³

11 letters

countermand, countervail³, counterwork

12 letters

counterpoise, countercheck

14 letters

counterbalance⁴

The small number after each word is its number of syllables (elude² = 2 syllables).

In other languages

Français

contrecarrer

Italiano

controbattere