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 Temu’s counterclaim, which alleged that Shein violated competition law through its exclusive agreements with its suppliers, is reportedly set to go to trial next year. — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 17 Aug. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for counterclaim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterclaim
Noun
  • But their complaints come as Lecornu's government seeks to rein in public spending to appease skittish bond markets, which have punished France more harshly than many of its peers this year, amid a global bond market rout.
    — Jenni Reid, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
  • In a criminal complaint, prosecutors accused Zhang of spying on a son of Taiwan’s president outside his residence in the Seattle area at the behest of Chinese officials.
    — David Douglas, NBC news, 8 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The companies say a flood of lawsuits in state courts is not the way to deal with the global issue.
    — LINDSAY WHITEHURST, Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Metrolink is currently embroiled in new litigation after a former executive who was fired earlier this year filed a lawsuit that alleged the system failed to properly maintain parts and put riders and employees in danger.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The Perry Street litigation finally ended in August 2024 following an undisclosed settlement — just one month after Erica signed the lease for 150 Charles.
    — Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The Bureau of Prisons declined to comment, citing the pending litigation.
    — Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Polymarket denies wrongdoing and filed a countersuit against New York in federal court.
    — Marshall Cohen, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Baldoni responded in January 2025 with his own countersuit against Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds, demanding $400 million in damages for alleged defamation, civil extortion, and breach of contract (which was also dismissed by a judge).
    — Kathleen Perricone, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Counterclaim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterclaim. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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