counterargument

American  

[koun-ter-ahr-gyuh-muhnt] / ˈkaʊn tərˌɑr gyə mənt /

noun

1. a contrasting, opposing, or refuting argument.

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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

First recorded in 1860–65; counter- + argument

Example Sentences

And yet there was no counterargument for me to give.

From Literature

The bots possess an exhausting reflex to present both sides of every issue, creating a false, artificial balance even when the counterargument is absurd.

From The Wall Street Journal

The counterargument to tanking is simple: It’s intentional losing.

From The Wall Street Journal

Wall Street also had more time to digest the Citrini scenario and offer counterarguments.

From Barron's

Its edge comes from speed and breadth — reviewing more scenarios, more counterarguments and more data in much less time.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• rebuttal
• repartee
• retort