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
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
Lawyers for Hutton on Monday informed the court of the deal, which resolves claims from the actor and counterclaims from Electric. Winston Cho, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Dec. 2024 That counterclaim had not been filed as of press time. Thomas Gounley, The Denver Post, 2 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 

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 22 Dec. 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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