Counter — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb adverb adjective /ˈkau̇n-tər/ count·er

Meaning & Definition of Counter

Counter (noun)

  1. a piece (as of metal or plastic) used in reckoning or in games
  2. something of value in bargaining, asset
  3. a level surface (such as a table, shelf or display case) over which transactions are conducted or food is served or on which goods are displayed or work is conducted
  4. a person or thing that counts something; especially, a device or process for indicating a number or amount
  5. contrary, opposite
  6. the after portion of a boat from the waterline to the extreme outward swell or stern overhang
  7. the act of making an attack while parrying one (as in boxing); also, a blow thus given in boxing

Counter (verb)

  1. to act in opposition to, oppose
  2. offset, nullify
  3. to assert in answer

Counter (adverb)

  1. in an opposite or wrong direction
  2. to or toward a different or opposite direction, result, or effect

Counter (adjective)

  1. marked by or tending toward or in an opposite direction or effect
  2. given to or marked by opposition, hostility, or antipathy
  3. situated or lying opposite

Counter (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to strive to reduce or eliminate

    "efforts to counter poverty in every sector of our country"

Counter (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a force or influence that makes an opposing force ineffective or less effective

    "strong moral guidance at home is the best counter to the pernicious allure of popular culture"

  2. something that is as different as possible from something else

    "her version of the domestic dispute was almost the exact counter of what actually happened"

Counter (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. opposed to one's interests

    "was unprepared for such a strong counter campaign by opponents of the legislative bill"

Counter (adverb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in across, counterclockwise

    opposite: clockwise, deasil

Related Entry: Lunch counter (noun)

Lunch counter is a different word from Counter. The synonyms below are for lunch counter, not for counter.

  1. as in cafeteria, lunchroom

Related Entry: Under-the-counter (adjective)

Under-the-counter is a different word from Counter. The synonyms below are for under-the-counter, not for counter.

  1. as in under-the-table

Related Entry: Counterassault (noun)

Counterassault is a different word from Counter. The synonyms below are for counterassault, not for counter.

  1. an attack made to counter an enemy's attack

    "a feeble counterassault that proved to be entirely futile"

Related Entry: Counterattack (noun)

Counterattack is a different word from Counter. The synonyms below are for counterattack, not for counter.

  1. an attack made to counter an enemy's attack

    "suddenly the tide of battle turned, and the rebels, who had been falling back, made a furious counterattack"

Related Entry: Counterstrike (noun)

Counterstrike is a different word from Counter. The synonyms below are for counterstrike, not for counter.

  1. an attack made to counter an enemy's attack

    "after countless strikes and counterstrikes, the positions of both armies remained essentially unchanged"

Related Entry: Counteraccusations (noun)

Counteraccusations is a different word from Counter. The synonyms below are for counteraccusations, not for counter.

  1. as in countercharges

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Counter

The most common words with a similar meaning to Counter:

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Counter

Words with the opposite meaning of Counter:

Near Antonyms of Counter

Word Forms of Counter

Inflections: counters, countered, countering

Origin & Etymology of Counter

Middle English countour, countere "table used for counting money or auditing accounts, metal disk used for arithmetic calculations," borrowed from Anglo-French countour, comptor (Middle French compteor "table used by a merchant to display wares and count money"), from conter, compter, cunter "to count, calculate, count as valid, relate, narrate" + -our, -or (Middle French -eoir), going back to Latin -ātōrium, from -ā-, stem formative of verbs + -tōrium, suffix denoting a place or object used for the activity of the verb (from neuter of -tōrius, adjective derivative of the agent noun -tōr-, -tor) count:1

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Counter

Words & Phrases Containing Counter

Frequently Asked Questions about Counter

What does "Counter" mean?

"Counter" means a piece (as of metal or plastic) used in reckoning or in games. As an a noun, a verb, an adverb and an adjective, it is defined as: a piece (as of metal or plastic) used in reckoning or in games. It has 5 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Counter"?

Other words for "Counter" include battle, combat, contend (with), fight, oppose, oppugn, balance and canceler. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Counter" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Counter"?

There are 119 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Counter". Common alternatives include battle, combat, contend (with), fight, oppose, oppugn, balance, canceler, corrective and counteraction.

What is the opposite of "Counter"?

Antonyms of "Counter" include advance, cultivate, encourage, forward, foster, further, nourish and nurture. Near antonyms include abide, bear, endure and suffer.

How do you use "Counter" in a sentence?

Examples of "Counter" in a sentence: "efforts to counter poverty in every sector of our country"; "strong moral guidance at home is the best counter to the pernicious allure of popular culture"; "her version of the domestic dispute was almost the exact counter of what actually happened".

Is "Counter" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Counter" can be used as a noun, a verb, an adverb and an adjective, depending on the context.

Is "Counter" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Counter" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Counter"?

"Counter" is pronounced /ˈkau̇n-tər/ and divided into syllables as count·er.