counterprotest

noun

coun·​ter·​pro·​test ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌprō-ˌtest How to pronounce counterprotest (audio)
variants or counter-protest
plural counterprotests or counter-protests
: 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 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.
What about counterprotests? Counterprotests should receive the same rights as protests, and the two should be allowed within sight and sound of the other, but antagonistic groups should be separated. Hannah Hudnall, IndyStar, 13 June 2025 The encampment was set up April 25, sparking mixed reactions and a largely peaceful counterprotest on April 28. Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2024 They’re meant to be a counterprotest to a military parade and festival in Washington, D.C. Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 15 June 2025 President Trump was asked Thursday to respond to planned counterprotests that will coincide with a military parade in the nation’s capital to mark the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday. Alex Gangitano, The Hill, 12 June 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Counterprotest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterprotest. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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