coun·ter·claim
ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌklām 
: an opposing claim
especially
: a claim brought by a defendant against a plaintiff in a legal action
counterclaimed; counterclaiming; counterclaims
: to enter or plead a counterclaim
: to ask in a counterclaim
Examples of counterclaim in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Charles Trepany, USA TODAY, 28 Nov. 2024
Carter denied both women’s claims and filed a counterclaim in February 2023 against Ruth and Schuman.
—Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 27 Nov. 2024
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 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
The companies also allege in their counterclaim that Morrissey's lawsuits against them were prompted by the desire to protect her own image.
—Charles Trepany, USA TODAY, 28 Nov. 2024
Carter denied both women’s claims and filed a counterclaim in February 2023 against Ruth and Schuman.
—Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 27 Nov. 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
Dictionary Entries Near counterclaim
Cite this Entry
“Counterclaim.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterclaim. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
counterclaim
noun
coun·ter·claim
ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌklām
: 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share