counterclaim

noun

coun·ter·claim | \ ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌklām

Definition of counterclaim

(Entry 1 of 2)

: an opposing claim especially : a claim brought by a defendant against a plaintiff in a legal action

counterclaim

verb

counterclaimed; counterclaiming; counterclaims

Definition of counterclaim (Entry 2 of 2)

intransitive verb

: to enter or plead a counterclaim

transitive verb

: to ask in a counterclaim

Other Words from counterclaim Example Sentences Learn More about counterclaim

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Examples of counterclaim in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

In a counterclaim, CPS argues that Wagner owes it $190,000. — Fred Schulte, Washington Post, "Tennessee-Based Pain Management Group To Close Clinics Amid Financial Turmoil," 9 July 2018 Having said that, my experience (on both sides of this issue) is that if the association files suit against a delinquent owner, the court will accept a counterclaim against the association. — Benny L. Kass, chicagotribune.com, "Fences don't always demarcate property lines," 22 Aug. 2017 Some are making that case in their lawsuit over Harvard’s admissions practices—an argument that, in turn, collides with the counterclaims of African-American outrage. — Lance Morrow, WSJ, "America Is Addicted to Outrage. Is There a Cure?," 30 Nov. 2018 The plaintiffs have moved to dismiss Blomquist's counterclaim and say all his discovery demands should be put on hold until there's a ruling on a dismissal. — Bruce Vielmetti, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Mequon executive counters sex-tape privacy suit with his own claim of secret recordings," 29 May 2018 Russia has flatly denied the allegations and offered a variety of counterclaims. — Matthew Bodner, Washington Post, "Russia to expel over 50 British workers, deepening tensions between Kremlin and London," 31 Mar. 2018 Shooter late Thursday filed both a response and a counterclaim against Rep. Michelle Ugenti-Rita, R-Scottsdale. — Richard Ruelas, azcentral, "Lawsuits fly as ousted Rep. Don Shooter vows to repair his own reputation," 6 July 2018 Researchers make claims and counterclaims, exchange reasons, and work together to open up new fields of inquiry. — Ars Technica, "The Journal of Controversial Ideas—academic freedom sans responsibility is reckless," 25 Nov. 2018 The numerous claims and counterclaims are stoking public interest in a relationship that Trump has denied and that Cohen sought to keep under wraps. — Beth Reinhard, chicagotribune.com, "Stormy Daniels' former attorney fights back with counterclaims for defamation," 8 June 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Perry’s counterclaims, however, are pending in court. — J. Scott Trubey, ajc, "Atlanta Housing Authority names interim leader, plans CEO search," 10 May 2018 The foundation asked for a dismissal of all claims and counterclaimed for payment of $960,000. — Milton Esterow, Vanities, "The Bitter Legal Battle over Peggy Guggenheim’s Blockbuster Art Collection," 19 Feb. 2017 The foundation asked for a dismissal of all claims and counterclaimed for payment of $960,000. — Milton Esterow, Vanities, "The Bitter Legal Battle over Peggy Guggenheim’s Blockbuster Art Collection," 19 Feb. 2017 The foundation asked for a dismissal of all claims and counterclaimed for payment of $960,000. — Milton Esterow, vanityfair.com, "The Bitter Legal Battle over Peggy Guggenheim’s Blockbuster Art Collection," 5 Jan. 2017 While finding that a number of facts remain in dispute, Bledsoe dismissed Hopkins’ defamation claims and Michael Waltrip Racing’s counterclaims accusing Hopkins of stealing pit crew tools and misappropriating trade secrets about one of the tools. — Joe Marusak, charlotteobserver, "Lawsuit against Michael Waltrip Racing can go to trial, judge rules," 1 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'counterclaim.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

26 May 2019

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for counterclaim

The first known use of counterclaim was in 1784

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More Definitions for counterclaim

counterclaim

noun

coun·ter·claim | \ ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌklām

Legal Definition of counterclaim

: 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