noun

counter

/ˈkaʊntər/ · say it: KOWN·ter

to respond to an argument with an opposing one

In Debate & Persuasion

In more detail

1. (noun) a flat surface in a shop or bank where goods are sold or customers are served

2. (noun) a small disc or token used in games

3. (verb) to respond to something by saying or doing the opposite

4. (adjective) opposite or contrary to something

5. (adverb) in the opposite direction or way

Examples

1. She paid for her groceries at the checkout counter.
2. He moved his counter forward five spaces on the board.
3. The company countered the criticism by releasing a statement.

How to use counter

Counter as a noun refers to a transaction surface in retail or banking contexts. As a verb, it means to respond to an argument or action with an opposing one, often implying a direct challenge or rebuttal. As an adjective or adverb, it expresses opposition or contradiction to something else. The word carries a sense of direct opposition or resistance across its uses.

Common phrases

counter argument
counter offer
over the counter
run counter to
counter attack
counter measure

Synonyms

response · reply · rebuttal · oppose · contradict

Opposites

agree · support · concur

Word family

counter (noun/verb/adjective/adverb) · counteract · counterpart · counterclockwise · counterattack

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse counter (respond to opposition) with answer or reply (respond to a question or statement), though counter specifically implies opposition or contradiction.

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