counterpart

noun

coun·​ter·​part ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌpärt How to pronounce counterpart (audio)
Synonyms of counterpartnext
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

Synonyms of counterpart

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
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.
At the same time, manufacturers lack the same government assistance their counterparts overseas receive. Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 6 Feb. 2026 Ibrahim told his Syrian counterpart that this was madness. Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 6 Feb. 2026 As the doppelganger charms the internet and devises a nefarious plot to replace mankind with brainrot, Shiori must partner with other online outcasts to stop her digital counterpart and reclaim her life in the real world. Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 5 Feb. 2026 Details of the pact New START, signed in 2010 by then-President Obama and his Russian counterpart, Dmitry Medvedev, restricted each side to no more than 1,550 nuclear warheads on no more than 700 missiles and bombers — deployed and ready for use. Vladimir Isachenkov, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for counterpart

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of counterpart was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Counterpart.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterpart. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

counterpart

noun
coun·​ter·​part ˈkau̇nt-ər-ˌpärt How to pronounce counterpart (audio)
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 How to pronounce counterpart (audio)
: one of two corresponding or duplicate copies of a legal instrument

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