counterculture
noun
coun·ter·cul·ture
ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌkəl-chər 
: a culture with values and mores that run counter to those of established society
Examples of counterculture in a Sentence
the counterculture of the hippies
He was part of the antiwar counterculture.
Recent Examples on the Web
The word counterculture generally refers to any movement that strives to achieve ideals counter to those of mainstream society.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
Conner’s deep ties to American counterculture—from the 1950s Beat poets to the punk scenes of the 1970s and 80s—infused his work with a biting wit and revolutionary spirit.
—Robert Lang, Deadline, 31 Mar. 2026
Moreover, some of history’s most consequential periods of religious renewal have been led by particular people in particular places, often not as representatives of a new common culture but as a committed counterculture.
—Luis Parrales, The Atlantic, 31 Mar. 2026
Actors and rock stars from the counterculture scene—including the band Jefferson Airplane—started donating money and cars to the cause.
—Zayd Ayers Dohrn, New Yorker, 28 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for counterculture
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.
Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
Conner’s deep ties to American counterculture—from the 1950s Beat poets to the punk scenes of the 1970s and 80s—infused his work with a biting wit and revolutionary spirit.
—Robert Lang, Deadline, 31 Mar. 2026
Moreover, some of history’s most consequential periods of religious renewal have been led by particular people in particular places, often not as representatives of a new common culture but as a committed counterculture.
—Luis Parrales, The Atlantic, 31 Mar. 2026
Actors and rock stars from the counterculture scene—including the band Jefferson Airplane—started donating money and cars to the cause.
—Zayd Ayers Dohrn, New Yorker, 28 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for counterculture
Cite this Entry
“Counterculture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterculture. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
