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counterclaim

noun

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 Wheeler also filed a counterclaim accusing Martinez of converting $50,000 in restaurant money for his own use. — Cbs News Atlanta Digital Team, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for counterclaim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterclaim
  1. complaint
  2. lawsuit
  3. litigation
  4. countersuit
Noun
  • The final result was visually awkward and earned so many complaints on social media that McLendon-Covey even weighed in at the time.
    — Zack Sharf, Variety, 23 Sep. 2026
  • The initial complaint, filed in May 2025, also included false imprisonment and conversion as causes of action, which are not included in the latest complaint.
    — Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of complaint
Noun
  • The Cook County State’s Attorney, which represents county officials in such lawsuits, sought an extension in court Thursday and intends to file a motion to dismiss.
    — A.D. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
  • California health clinics accuse an influential union and its leader of racketeering in civil lawsuit.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of lawsuit
Noun
  • Such litigation should only be considered as a last resort once all other reasonable options have been exhausted.
    — Michael L. Hyman, Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Questions about earlier musical works have loomed over the case throughout the years-long litigation.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of litigation
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
Definition of countersuit

Browse Nearby Words

countercharges
counterclaim
counterclaims
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Counterclaim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterclaim. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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