counteroffer

noun

coun·​ter·​of·​fer ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌȯ-fər 

-ˌä-fər

: a return offer made by one who has rejected an offer

Examples of counteroffer in a Sentence

He turned down the deal and came back with a counteroffer asking for more money.

Recent Examples on the Web

Buyers place bids for shipments of inventory, and brands can accept, reject, or counteroffer. —Alena Botros, Fortune, 27 Feb. 2025

Let the other side make the first suggestion, then present a counteroffer with a lower number. —Staff, Sacramento Bee, 26 Feb. 2025

The first three episodes, in fact, are at their most entertaining, and most promising, as all the lawyers maneuver to snag promotions, field counteroffers and throw dirt at opponents. —Tom Gliatto, People.com, 22 Feb. 2025

Last week, the Mets made a counteroffer of three years to Alonso and agent Scott Boras. —Will Sammon, The Athletic, 25 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for counteroffer

• coffer
• offer
• proffer
• scoffer

Legal Definition

counteroffer

noun

coun·​ter·​of·​fer ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌȯ-fər 

: an offer that is made in response to another and that has additional or differing terms

Note: Under common law, a counteroffer does not constitute an acceptance of an offer and is often considered a rejection of the offer.

counteroffer intransitive verb