countercharge
4
8.0
- noun
- /ˈkaʊntərˌtʃɑrdʒ/
:
contracargo
- And it has invited a Republican countercharge that the administration gambled away taxpayer money on its own bad bet, the Solyndra solar panel company.
- charges and countercharges
Examples
-
The "real people" tend to frame questions in broader terms and are less likely to focus on the latest charges and countercharges.
Blog text (21) -
Certainly, we will not benefit from the charges and countercharges that will be made during this year of the Quincentennial.
Academic text (1992) -
These late German accusations served as countercharges to the cases being prepared against accused German war criminals.
Academic text (2010) -
The ensuing avalanche of charges and countercharges is difficult to assess, even for specialists.
Academic text (1998) -
Countercharges of terrorism and oppression have muddied the waters for decades; the right to defend has become confused.
Blog text (8) -
Political discussion in the US has become so polarized that questions about regulation evoke countercharges about the questioners' alleged dislike of government.
Blog text (9) -
The Spencer Foundation, which supports education research, commissioned the study before the board's decision was reversed—but not before it had provoked plenty of charges, countercharges, and bitterness.
Academic text (2016) -
In the heated debate, each candidate responded to accusations with their own countercharges of dishonesty.
-
The politician's countercharges aimed to divert attention from the original scandal.
-
Following the initial claims, both parties presented countercharges to justify their actions.
Synonyms
394
3.1
A statement that someone did something wrong or illegal, even if it is not proven
20
8.3
Mutual accusations between two people or groups
1
7.3
A written or spoken reply that opposes another claim
A sharp reply that answers an accusation or argument
How Accusatory
- Specialized
169
5.7
- Formal
271
7.8
4
8.0
394
3.1
- Literature
579
4.8
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
The word countercharge combines counter- ('against' or 'in return') and charge ('an accusation' or 'attack'), like in counterattack. So a countercharge is an accusation made back at someone, often to try to shift blame.