counter

/kˈaʊntɚ/ · 2 syllables

Meaning

noun

1. table consisting of a horizontal surface over which business is transacted
2. game equipment (as a piece of wood, plastic, or ivory) used for keeping a count or reserving a space in various card or board games
3. a calculator that keeps a record of the number of times something happens
4. a piece of furniture that stands at the side of a dining room; has shelves and drawers
5. a person who counts things
6. a quick reply to a question or remark (especially a witty or critical one)
   “it brought a sharp rejoinder from the teacher”
7. (computer science) a register whose contents go through a regular series of states (usually states indicating consecutive integers)
8. a piece of leather forming the back of a shoe or boot
   “a counter may be used to stiffen the material around the heel and to give support to the foot”
9. a return punch (especially by a boxer)

verb

1. speak in response
   “He countered with some very persuasive arguments”
2. act in advance of; deal with ahead of time

adjective

1. indicating opposition or resistance

adverb

1. in the opposite direction
   “run counter”

Synonyms for counter

• tabulator
• buffet
• sideboard
• rejoinder
• retort
• return
• riposte
• replication
• comeback
• heel counter
• counterpunch
• parry
• anticipate
• foresee
• forestall
• antagonistic
• negative

Words that rhyme with counter

• encounter
• discounter