count·er
| \ ˈkau̇n-tər
\
\
Definition of counter
(Entry 1 of 7)
1
: a piece (as of metal or plastic) used in reckoning or in games
2
: something of value in bargaining : asset
3
: a level surface (such as a table, shelf or display case) over which transactions are conducted or food is served or on which goods are displayed or work is conducted
jewelry counter a lunch counter
over the counter
under the counter
1
: in or through a broker's office rather than through a stock exchange
stock bought over the counter
2
: without a prescription
drugs available over the counter
: by surreptitious means : in an illicit and private manner
workers being paid under the counter
counter
noun (2)
count·er
| \ ˈkau̇n-tər
\
\
plural counters
Definition of counter (Entry 2 of 7)
: a person or thing that counts something
… I would just tell them I am a very fast counter.— Judy Blume
especially
: a device or process for indicating a number or amount
a counter that records how many times a website is visited As they entered the main door on Fifth Avenue, the guard clicked off two numbers on his people counter. — E. L. Konigsburg
counter
verb
coun·ter
| \ ˈkau̇n-tər
\
\
countered; countering\
ˈkau̇n-t(ə-)riŋ
\
\
Definition of counter (Entry 3 of 7)
1a
: to act in opposition to : oppose
2
: to assert in answer
We countered that our warnings had been ignored.
: to meet attacks or arguments with defensive or retaliatory steps
counter
adverb
coun·ter
| \ ˈkau̇n-tər
\
\
Definition of counter (Entry 4 of 7)
1
: in an opposite or wrong direction
2
: to or toward a different or opposite direction, result, or effect
values that run counter to those of society
counter
noun (3)
coun·ter
| \ ˈkau̇n-tər
\
\
Definition of counter (Entry 5 of 7)
2
: the after portion of a boat from the waterline to the extreme outward swell or stern overhang
3a
: the act of making an attack while parrying one (as in boxing)
also
: a blow thus given in boxing
b
: an agency or force that offsets : check
4
: a stiffener to give permanent form to a boot or shoe upper around the heel
5
: an area within the face of a letter wholly or partly enclosed by strokes
6
: a football play in which the ballcarrier goes in a direction opposite to the movement of the play
counter
adjective
coun·ter
| \ ˈkau̇n-tər
\
\
Definition of counter (Entry 6 of 7)
1
: marked by or tending toward or in an opposite direction or effect
2
: given to or marked by opposition, hostility, or antipathy
3
: situated or lying opposite
the counter side
4
: recalling or ordering back by a superseding contrary order : countermanding
counter orders from the colonel
counter-
prefixDefinition of counter- (Entry 7 of 7)
1a
: contrary : opposite
counterclockwise countermarch
b
: opposing : retaliatory
counterforce counteroffensive
2
: complementary : corresponding
counterweight counterpart
3
: duplicate : substitute
counterfoil
Synonyms & Antonyms for counter
Synonyms: Verb
Synonyms: Noun (3)
- balance,
- canceler
- (or canceller),
- corrective,
- counteraction,
- counterbalance,
- counterforce,
- counterpoise,
- counterweight,
- equipoise,
- neutralizer,
- offset
Synonyms: Adjective
- adverse,
- disadvantageous,
- hostile,
- inimical,
- negative,
- prejudicial,
- unfavorable,
- unfriendly,
- unsympathetic,
- untoward
Antonyms: Verb
Antonyms: Adjective
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Cite this Entry
“Counter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counter. Accessed 10 Aug. 2022.
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More Definitions for counter
counter
noun
count·er
| \ ˈkau̇n-tər
\
\
Kids Definition of counter
(Entry 1 of 6)
1
: a level surface usually higher than a table that is used especially for selling, serving food, displaying things, or working on
2
: a piece used in games or to find a total in adding
counter
noun
count·er
Kids Definition of counter (Entry 2 of 6)
1
: a person whose job is to determine a total
2
: a device for showing a number or amount
counter
verb
coun·ter
| \ ˈkau̇n-tər \
countered; countering
Kids Definition of counter (Entry 3 of 6)
1
: to say in response to something said
"I could say the same about you," he countered.
2
: to act in opposition to : oppose
She countered with a move that ended the game.
counter
adverb
coun·ter
Kids Definition of counter (Entry 4 of 6)
: in another or opposite direction
He will always go counter to advice.
counter
noun
coun·ter
Kids Definition of counter (Entry 5 of 6)
: an answering or opposing force or blow
counter-
prefixKids Definition of counter-
1
: opposite
counterclockwise
2
: opposing
3
: like : matching
counterpart
4
: duplicate : substitute
counter
noun
count·er
| \ ˈkau̇nt-ər
\
\
Medical Definition of counter
(Entry 1 of 2)
: a level surface over which transactions are conducted or food is served or on which goods are displayed or work is conducted
a lunch counter
over the counter
: without a prescription
drugs available over the counter
counter
nounMedical Definition of counter (Entry 2 of 2)
: one that counts
especially
: a device for indicating a number or amount — see geiger counter
counter-
prefix
coun·ter-
| \ ˈkau̇n-tər \
Legal Definition of counter-
1a
: contrary : opposite
counterletter
b
: opposing : retaliatory
counteraction
2
: complementary : corresponding
countersign
3
: duplicate : substitute
counterpart
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Time Traveler for counter
The first known use of counter was in the 14th century
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