counterargument
Americannoun
Usage
What does counterargument mean? A counterargument is an argument that is issued in response to someone else’s argument to show that the original claim is somehow incorrect. An argument, in this context, is a series of reasons used to make a claim. A counterargument is always a response—its point is to refute (prove wrong) the original argument. The term is most commonly used in formal contexts, like debates or courtroom settings, but it can also be used in informal contexts, like everyday discussions. Example: The debate team worked diligently to prepare a counterargument that disproved their opponents’ stance.
Etymology
Origin of counterargument
Explanation
A counterargument is the thoughtful response you give when you disagree with someone's ideas or claims. In criminal court, a defense attorney usually gives a counterargument to the prosecutor's accusations. A counterargument is really just what it sounds like — an argument that runs counter to someone else's original argument. In this case, counter means "against" or "in response to," from the Latin root contra, "opposite, against, or in return." A true counterargument is well thought out, countering each idea with a set of reasons proving that the opposite is true.
Vocabulary lists containing counterargument
The SAT: Language of the Test, List 1
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Argumentative Writing
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The ACT: The Language of the Test, List 1
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
When the humans felt strongly about an intuition, they asked the AI to come up with a counterargument.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026
To be sure, one counterargument to the “good enough” narrative is that bin Laden envisioned al-Qaida as “the base” on which other groups could then build their Islamist groups and overthrow secular states.
From Slate • Apr. 21, 2026
They ran into every argument and counterargument that have tugged, pulled and paralyzed other communities.
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 10, 2025
In his latest special, Pete Holmes makes a forceful counterargument to atheist comics like Ricky Gervais who mock belief in God.
From New York Times • Dec. 20, 2023
While he struggled to find a counterargument, Ron spoke up, evidently following his own train of thought.
From "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
