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counterargument

counterargument

11 5.1
A reason that disagrees with another reason in a discussion
  • noun
  • /ˈkaʊntərˌɑrɡjʊmənt/
translation icon : contraargumento
  • In a debate, it is essential to present a counterargument to effectively challenge the opponent's claims.
  • counterargument and rebuttal
  • evidence and counterarguments
  • present counterarguments

Examples

  • We identified the following rhetorical moves in the data: reason and evidence, counterargument, and rebuttal.

    Academic text (2015)
  • Supporting an argument with evidence, facts, counterarguments, and research can be a complex task for students.

    Academic text (2014)
  • However, the counterargument is that AI models learn from training data the way that human beings learn.

  • The problem with this specific counterargument is threefold.

    Academic text (2014)
  • Before moving to implications, it is important to consider a pair of related counterarguments to the explanation developed above.

    Academic text (2014)
  • You can expect arguments against your proposal, so you should be prepared to present counterarguments.

    Academic text (1992)
  • Another counterargument is the ethnic strife that has become a hallmark of the modern African world.

    Academic text (2008)
  • Nonetheless, a precedent-based defense of the jurisdiction canon is subject to two important counterarguments.

    Academic text (2017)
  • However, these counterarguments were usually brushed aside by the popular media as uninteresting minutiae.

    Academic text (2017)
  • On the contrary, the EEOC in both decisions squarely addressed the prevailing lower courts' counterarguments when adjudicating each case.

    Academic text (2017)

Synonyms

defense
vscounterargument
  • US
184 3.0

A reason or statement used to support something

serves to oppose an argument, not to defend an original claim
rebuttal
vscounterargument
60 6.7

A statement that says another person's argument is wrong

is a broader set of reasons used to oppose or refute claims
counterpoint
vscounterargument
12 6.2

Something that contrasts with or balances another thing

is more specifically a set of reasons meant to oppose an argument
refutation
vscounterargument
  • Formal
10 6.8

An argument or evidence that proves a claim wrong

is more about arguing opposition rather than proving absolute falsehood
disproof
vscounterargument
1 6.8

A fact or argument that shows an idea is not true

focuses on opposing claims through reasons rather than technical proof
counterstatement
vscounterargument
  • Formal
1 7.3

A written or spoken reply that opposes another claim

is any set of opposing reasons, not only formal responses
refutal
vscounterargument
8.8

An act of showing that an idea or claim is wrong

is a reasoned position offered to oppose rather than only prove falsity
counterdeclaration
vscounterargument
  • Formal
9.0

A written reply that opposes another statement

is not limited to formal public statements and covers all opposing reasons
counterposition
vscounterargument
8.2

An argument that opposes another idea

is specifically a reasoned argument offered to refute that opposing stance
counterthrust
vscounterargument
8.2

A sharp reply that answers an accusation or argument

is a calmer set of reasons to oppose rather than a forceful strike
counterview
vscounterargument
6.6

An opinion that disagrees with another view

is focused on arguing against a claim rather than just offering a different view
counterinterpretation
vscounterargument
9.2

An explanation that disagrees with an earlier view

is broader, opposing arguments generally, not only alternative explanations

Antonyms

1.0

Give help to a person or idea

agreement
  • Specialized
5 3.5

When words change form so they match each other, for example subject and verb

How Persuasive

refutation
  • Formal
10 6.8
counterargument
11 5.1
rebuttal
60 6.7
objection
292 3.6

Surface Forms

Morphology

counterargument = argument (transparent) = counter + argument

The formation is a straightforward combination of 'counter-' (opposing) with 'argument' yielding an argument that opposes another.

Etymology

Counterargument combines counter- meaning 'against' and argument meaning 'a reason or claim'. So, a counterargument is a reason given 'against' another argument to oppose it or show it may be wrong.