counterclaim

as in complaint
a court case brought against the plaintiff of another court case by the defendant The defendant filed a counterclaim for his own injuries, claiming that he only rear-ended the plaintiff because she had stopped too fast.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of counterclaim In March, Williams filed a counterclaim in Mecklenburg County Court, accusing Baumgarten of tarnishing her reputation as Opera Carolina’s leader. Catherine Muccigrosso, Charlotte Observer, 5 May 2025 In her counterclaim, Heard was awarded $2 million in compensatory damages but no punitive damages. Kimberly Nordyke, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Dec. 2024 In February 2024, Fannie Mae sued the company and sought an emergency appointment of a receiver. 728 N Jennings RD Partners filed a counterclaim, accusing Fannie Mae of breach of contract and breach of good faith and fair dealing. Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 26 Apr. 2025 Indeed, Geffen filed nearly 100 pages of counterclaims, some of which point to signs that Sun may have known about the transaction all along. Rachel Corbett, Vulture, 16 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for counterclaim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterclaim
Noun
  • In 2023, 20 students suffered from the rare condition when they were made to do over 400 push-ups as punishment, according to the complaint.
    Kate Linderman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 May 2025
  • According to the mother's complaint, Sekulow and his son did not want to be associated with hiring a gay man at their organization the American Center for Law and Justice, Inc (ACLJ).
    Sophie Clark, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • Smith's lawyers filed a lawsuit along with eight other death row inmates challenge Tennessee’s new protocol, saying there is a high risk of torturous death.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • According to the lawsuit, about a year after Floyd's murder, Sam Willis, the owner of the restaurant Just Turkey, says a shooting victim ran into his business.
    Meg Anderson, NPR, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • Dunn co-chaired Paul Weiss's litigation department, where she is known for representing high-profile clients like Apple and Google.
    Joe Walsh, CBS News, 23 May 2025
  • Chula Vista taxpayers also are liable for the legal fees incurred by Briggs over four years of litigation.
    Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • Now, Robinson has filed a countersuit against the plaintiffs, accusing them of defamation and seeking $500 million in damages.
    Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 29 May 2025
  • Smollett denied the accusations and filed a countersuit against the city, but he was indicted by a grand jury on 16 felony charges.
    EW.com, EW.com, 25 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Counterclaim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterclaim. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

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