counterclockwise
Americanadjective
adverb
Etymology
Origin of counterclockwise
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How does counterclockwise compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Vocabulary lists containing counterclockwise
Middle School Geometry, List 1
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Geometry - Middle School
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Geometry (Base List)
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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.
On Day 1, you play it clockwise; on Day 2, counterclockwise.
From The Wall Street Journal • Sep. 26, 2025
The dance opens with Abraham in a running solo, winding around the stage in counterclockwise circles.
From New York Times • Dec. 4, 2024
In the new image, however, the brightest part of a ring surrounding the black hole has shifted counterclockwise by about 30°.
From Science Magazine • Jan. 17, 2024
"Switching the rotational direction from counterclockwise to clockwise and vice versa allows two propellers to attract or repel each other."
From Science Daily • Dec. 12, 2023
If you want it lower, go in the counterclockwise direction.
From "Understanding Basic Music Theory" by Catherine Schmidt-Jones and Russel Jones
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.
