counterclaim

1 of 2

noun

coun·​ter·​claim ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌklām 

: 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

Noun

The counterclaim alleges Wherry hired a private investigator to look into the burglary, and Thompson failed a subsequent polygraph examination. — Rachel Desantis, PEOPLE, 23 June 2026

Domenech’s counterclaim accuses Negrón of conflicts of interest tied to incentive and tax-decree procedures that allegedly benefited clients linked to the law firm of Negrón’s 88-year-old grandfather. — Vera Lucia Pappaterra, Miami Herald, 19 June 2026

Verb

Damages were denied in the case, but the court left the possibility that Lively can seek additional damages through another lawsuit or counterclaim open. — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 12 June 2026

Nike also counterclaimed against Russ, arguing that his sale of shoes infringes on Nike’s trade dress rights, which cover the look and feel of Air Jordan 4. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 6 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1784, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1857, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Rhymes for counterclaim

• aspartame
• overcame
• underframe
• username
• acclaim
• aflame
• airframe
• ballgame
• became
• declaim
• defame
• disclaim

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 

: 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