over the counter
4 antonyms and opposites of over the counter, grouped by meaning.
Adjective — Of a medicine, sold legally without a prescription, so that any customer can buy it directly from a pharmacy or shop.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. adjective
Of a medicine, sold legally without a prescription, so that any customer can buy it directly from a pharmacy or shop.
“Ibuprofen is available over the counter in most countries.”
Opposites
2. adjective finance
Of financial instruments, traded privately between two parties rather than on a regulated exchange.
“Most currency swaps are arranged over the counter between banks.”
Opposites
Antonyms
How to Use Over The Counter
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Neutral and standard; commonly abbreviated OTC.
Etymology
From the literal image of goods handed across a shop counter, as opposed to being kept back and dispensed only on authority.
Full origin of over the counter →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between over the counter and under the counter?
Over the counter means openly and legally available to any customer. Under the counter means sold secretly, usually illegally or without proper authorisation. The phrases sound like a pair, but only one of them is lawful.
What is the difference between over-the-counter and behind-the-counter medicines?
Over-the-counter medicines can be picked off the shelf by the customer. Behind-the-counter, or pharmacy-only, medicines still need no prescription but must be handed over by a pharmacist, who may ask questions first. Both are non-prescription.
Do you hyphenate over the counter?
Hyphenate it before a noun — an over-the-counter painkiller — and leave it open afterwards: the painkiller is available over the counter.