counterprotest

noun

coun·​ter·​pro·​test ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌprō-ˌtest How to pronounce counterprotest (audio)
variants or counter-protest
plural counterprotests or counter-protests
Synonyms of counterprotestnext
: a protest staged to counter or oppose another protest
A rally … got heated Saturday afternoon. Police stepped in to help de-escalate tensions after a counterprotest emerged …—Colleen MacDonald
counterprotester
ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌprō-ˌte-stər How to pronounce counterprotest (audio)
noun
or counter-protester
plural counterprotesters or counter-protesters
Standing near the back of the crowd at yesterday's rally were about a dozen counterprotesters … —Sue Young Wilson
Nazis may still march, but they are inevitably outnumbered by counter-protesters. —Ellis Cose

Examples of counterprotest in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Amid protests and counterprotests, the scene in the city in recent days grew tense. — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026 His 20 or so protesters drew a counterprotest, and chaos ensued. — Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 8 Mar. 2026 The counterprotest drew about 125 demonstrators at its peak. — Nicole Acevedo, NBC news, 9 Mar. 2026 Tisch said about 20 people showed up to the protest tied to him on Saturday, and the counterprotest had about 125 people at its peak. — ABC News, 7 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for counterprotest

Word History

First Known Use

1595, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of counterprotest was in 1595

Rhymes for counterprotest

See All Rhymes for counterprotest

Browse Nearby Words

counterproposal
counterprotest
counterprove
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Counterprotest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterprotest. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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