counterpart

noun

coun·​ter·​part ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌpärt How to pronounce counterpart (audio)
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
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.
If not, how are Republicans any different from their Democratic counterparts? Kimberly Ross, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025 They’re often given more responsibility in the classroom than their male counterparts. Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025 After Al-Hayya left, Qatari negotiators got on the phone with their Israeli counterparts to update them on the nascent ceasefire effort. Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2025 As with its console counterparts, this is one of the must-own games of the generation. George Yang, PC Magazine, 11 Sep. 2025 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 12 Sep. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on counterpart

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