counterclaim

1 of 2

noun

coun·​ter·​claim ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌklām How to pronounce counterclaim (audio)
: an opposing claim
especially : a claim brought by a defendant against a plaintiff in a legal action

counterclaim

2 of 2

verb

counterclaimed; counterclaiming; counterclaims

intransitive verb

: to enter or plead a counterclaim

transitive verb

: to ask in a counterclaim

Examples of counterclaim in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Noun
On April 26, the company filed a counterclaim against Velasco, Behle, and others. Mackenzie Schmidt, People.com, 24 Oct. 2024 Ashley stood up for herself against Carter's frivolous counterclaims with the ultimate defense: the truth. EW.com, 15 Aug. 2024
Verb
And Democrats are still counterclaiming that nearly all the benefits of an extension will go to the rich and to large companies. Tax Notes Staff, Forbes, 4 Sep. 2024 The court also dismissed Windstream’s counterclaims against Aurelius. Washington Post, 15 Feb. 2019 See all Example Sentences for counterclaim 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1784, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1857, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of counterclaim was in 1784

Dictionary Entries Near counterclaim

Cite this Entry

“Counterclaim.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterclaim. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

counterclaim

noun
coun·​ter·​claim
ˈkau̇nt-ər-ˌklām
: an opposing claim
counterclaim verb
counterclaimant
-ˌklā-mənt
noun

Legal Definition

counterclaim

noun
coun·​ter·​claim ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌklām How to pronounce counterclaim (audio)
: a claim for relief that is asserted against an opposing party after an original claim has been made compare affirmative defense at defense, cross-action, cross-appeal, cross-claim, interpleader, third-party claim
counterclaim verb

More from Merriam-Webster on counterclaim

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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