Counteractive: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this when describing something that works against or neutralizes another force or effect, often in a scientific or medical context.

• The medication has counteractive effects on the virus.
• The company developed a counteractive measure to address the issue.

Best for situations where there is a direct or obvious opposition, especially in sports, politics, or debates.

• The two opposing teams are ready to play.
• There are opposing views on this issue.

Use this when something goes against expectations or commonly accepted beliefs, often in argumentative or descriptive contexts.

• Her actions were contrary to her stated beliefs.
• Contrary to popular opinion, the experiment was successful.

Best for situations where there's active hostility or opposition, especially in social, biological, or competitive contexts.

• The two characters in the story have an antagonistic relationship.
• Certain bacteria have antagonistic effects on others.

Ideal for situations where interests, ideas, or actions are at odds with each other, creating a dispute or disagreement.

• They had conflicting opinions on the project.
• There are conflicting reports about the incident.

Appropriate for describing something that delays or obstructs progress, often with a negative connotation.

• The rain is hindering our outdoor plans.
• Her attitude is hindering their team’s progress.

Used to describe something that acts against or reduces the effectiveness of something else, often in medical or technical contexts.

• The medicine has a counteractive effect on the virus
• The team's strategies were counteractive and led to confusion

Employed when describing resistance or dissent, often in political, social, or competitive contexts.

• The new policy faced strong opposition from the public
• There was fierce opposition between the two teams

Commonly used in literature and storytelling to describe a character who opposes the protagonist, but can also describe a substance that interferes with another in science.

• In the story, the main antagonist is an evil sorcerer
• The drug acts as an antagonist to the neurotransmitter

Used when highlighting opposing ideas or statements. Often employed in logical or argumentative scenarios.

• There is a clear contradiction in his statement
• Her actions were a contradiction to her words

Used to describe physical or metaphorical barriers that prevent progress or movement, commonly applied in a variety of contexts.

• The fallen tree was an obstacle on the road
• Fear of failure is a common obstacle to success

Describes something that makes progress difficult, often used in work or project management contexts.

• The heavy rain was a hindrance to the construction work
• His lack of experience proved to be a hindrance in his career