counterpart
noun
coun·ter·part
ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌpärt 
1
: one of two corresponding copies of a legal instrument : duplicate
2
a
: a thing that fits another perfectly
b
: something that completes : complement
the lead actress and her male counterpart
3
a
: one remarkably similar to another
The crow is sometimes mistaken for its larger counterpart, the raven.
b
: one having the same function or characteristics as another
college presidents and their counterparts in business
Examples of counterpart in a Sentence
The secretary of defense met with his counterparts in Asia to discuss the nuclear crisis.
Metal tools replaced their stone counterparts many, many years ago.
the lead actress and her male counterpart
Recent Examples on the Web
Israel’s government has repeatedly criticized its counterpart in Australia for failing to address antisemitic attacks in the country.
—
Chris Lau, CNN Money, 21 Feb. 2026
In late 2024 and early 2025, following Nissan’s financial downturn that resulted in more than 9,000 global layoffs and a 20% reduction in manufacturing throughput, Nissan entered into merger negotiations with its Japanese industry counterpart.
—Stuart Dyos, USA Today, 20 Feb. 2026
Duvets are the European version of the comforter but are primarily distinguished by their need for a cloth counterpart, an interchangeable cover.
—Miami Herald, 19 Feb. 2026
And though light-wash jeans tend to lean more casual and suitable for daytime than their dark-wash counterparts, there are still endless ways to style the wardrobe staple for a night out.
—Abby Morgan Lebet, Glamour, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for counterpart
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Chris Lau, CNN Money, 21 Feb. 2026
In late 2024 and early 2025, following Nissan’s financial downturn that resulted in more than 9,000 global layoffs and a 20% reduction in manufacturing throughput, Nissan entered into merger negotiations with its Japanese industry counterpart.
—Stuart Dyos, USA Today, 20 Feb. 2026
Duvets are the European version of the comforter but are primarily distinguished by their need for a cloth counterpart, an interchangeable cover.
—Miami Herald, 19 Feb. 2026
And though light-wash jeans tend to lean more casual and suitable for daytime than their dark-wash counterparts, there are still endless ways to style the wardrobe staple for a night out.
—Abby Morgan Lebet, Glamour, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for counterpart
Cite this Entry
“Counterpart.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterpart. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
counterpart
noun
coun·ter·part
ˈkau̇nt-ər-ˌpärt
1
: a part or thing that matches another
the left arm is the counterpart of the right
2
: something that serves to complete something else : complement
3
: a person closely resembling another
Legal Definition
counterpart
noun
coun·ter·part
ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌpärt
: one of two corresponding or duplicate copies of a legal instrument
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