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
Jim McGregor, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
Doe's attorneys said the counterclaim is the first U.S. lawsuit against the brothers.
—Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 11 Feb. 2025
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
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Noun
Qualcomm also argued that the Qualcomm CPU designs are covered by the Qualcomm ALA, which is the basis of the counterclaim.
—Jim McGregor, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
Doe's attorneys said the counterclaim is the first U.S. lawsuit against the brothers.
—Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 11 Feb. 2025
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
Cite this Entry
“Counterclaim.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterclaim. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.
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
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