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 singer’s complaint seeks a jury trial and compensatory damages of over $75,000.
    Kathleen Perricone, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Sep. 2026
  • When reached for comment on LeVota’s letter, which The Star obtained this week, Garza’s attorney Brianne Thomas called it an act of retaliation and provided a copy of Garza’s complaint to The Star.
    Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The Thursday ruling came after Democrats and voting rights groups filed a fresh round of lawsuits to comply with the recent Supreme Court decision.
    Lindsay Whitehurst, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Conor Fitzpatrick, an attorney with the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, which brought the lawsuit, praised the ruling.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • But after several more months of litigation over a separate lawsuit, South Florida developer Two Roads Development reached a settlement with the condo owners.
    Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Department of Buildings spokesperson Nefsa’Hyatt Brown referred questions regarding active litigation to the city’s Department of Law in response to a request for comment Monday night.
    Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 1 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 5 Sep. 2026.

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