counterclaim

Definition of counterclaimnext
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.

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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 Georgia, Teddy’s Market has answered with counterclaims arguing Buc-ee's is squeezing smaller rivals with claims that don't hold. Roger Dooley, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 The Pac-12 provided its answer to the counterclaim in April, and a trial was set for that matter in July 2027. Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 4 Aug. 2026 Williams, who had filed counterclaims against Baumgarten for allegedly making false and defamatory statements about her and tarnishing her reputation, also voluntarily dismissed her suit at the same time. Catherine Muccigrosso july 24, Charlotte Observer, 24 July 2026 The claim and counterclaim are among serious allegations – including of smear campaigns and embezzlement – aired in multiple court cases now swirling around the production of the Australian musical comedy. Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for counterclaim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterclaim
Noun
  • The Wisconsin Elections Commission referred two complaints to the Brown County district attorney's office, paving the way for prosecutors to decide if Musk should be charged.
    Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2026
  • The lawsuit is a class-action complaint that seeks to represent Amazon workers throughout the US.
    Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 9 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The threat of the penalties if the SEC eventually wins either the Louisiana case or the federal lawsuit temporarily won the day.
    Seth Emerson, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • In 2022, after Foulkes had left CVS, the company agreed to pay $5 billion to settle lawsuits nationwide over the toll of opioids, without admitting wrongdoing.
    ABC News, ABC News, 5 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Ongoing litigation stalled the project and Lucas next looked to San Francisco’s Treasure Island, where the city asked for roughly $26 million for a 4-acre site (an amount considered by some to be above market value).
    Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Internal emails, obtained by Penzer through separate litigation, reveal how.
    Kenny Torrella, Vox, 9 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Baldoni filed a $400 million countersuit the next month accusing Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds and The New York Times of civil extortion, defamation and false light.
    Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The federal ruling from Denver was clarified three days later to exclude athletes who'd already signed professional contracts, which prompted a countersuit filed in Louisiana state court that gained a temporary restraining order on Wednesday.
    CBS News, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Counterclaim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterclaim. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

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