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 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 Per an April 20 court order, Hardee’s lawsuit is paused due to ARC’s bankruptcy filing and inability to file a counterclaim. Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 16 July 2026 The New York Times has filed counterclaims against the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which is pursuing a lawsuit against the news organization for allegedly discriminating against a white male employee by passing him over for a promotion. Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for counterclaim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterclaim
Noun
  • Prosecutors said Hernandez piloted the boat into a swell and had accelerated the throttle to try to pass through it until the swell swamped the bow of the boat, capsizing it immediately, a complaint alleged.
    Martin Goillandeau, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Fourteen people were on board, including him — exceeding the vessel’s maximum capacity of 10 people — according to the complaint, which noted that Hernandez did not know the boat’s maximum capacity.
    Joe Kottke, NBC news, 20 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Gutman was named in a lawsuit filed by Samira Said, who worked as a field producer for ABC News in its Los Angeles bureau from May 2021 until March 2025.
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Jones represents Deacon Charles McClendon and the faction of the church that filed a lawsuit last week seeking the widow's removal as interim pastor.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 15 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Alvarez, who has handled civil litigation, insurance disputes and HOA and condominium law, hasn’t tried a case in front of a jury or a judge.
    Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The Supreme Court last year stayed a lower-court order that had imposed additional procedural requirements on third-country removals while litigation continued.
    Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Baldoni also filed a countersuit against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, in January 2025, alleging that the couple and their PR firm had defamed him and Wayfarer Studios.
    Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 27 July 2026
  • In 2025, that anonymous woman filed a countersuit, alleging in turn that the Tates defamed her.
    Kat Tenbarge, Rolling Stone, 20 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Counterclaim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterclaim. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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