counter
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for counter, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A flat surface for serving customers, preparing food, or conducting business.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use counter
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman countour, related to Latin computō — the same root as "count" and "computer."
Full origin of counter →Frequently asked questions
What does “counter” mean?
The word “counter” means a flat surface for serving customers, preparing food, or conducting business. In plain terms, a flat surface for serving or working — or, as a verb, to respond to or oppose something.
How do you pronounce “counter”?
“Counter” is pronounced KOWN-tuh (/ˈkaʊn.tɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “counter” in a sentence?
Here is “counter” used in a sentence: “She set the groceries down on the kitchen counter.”
What is another word for “counter”?
Words with a similar meaning to “counter” include measure word.
What part of speech is “counter”?
Depending on how it is used, “counter” can be a noun, a verb and an adverb.
Where does the word “counter” come from?
The word “counter” comes from Latin. From Anglo-Norman countour, related to Latin computō — the same root as "count" and "computer.".
Is “counter” a common word?
“Counter” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “counter” have?
“Counter” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a flat surface for serving customers, preparing food, or conducting business.
What is the difference between a counter and a countertop?
A counter is the whole flat structure where business or food preparation happens, often including cabinets or storage beneath it. A countertop refers specifically to the top surface — the slab of granite, laminate, or wood you work on. In casual speech, though, many people use the two words to mean the same thing.
What are the types of counters?
Counters take their name from their use. A kitchen counter is for preparing food, a checkout or sales counter is where you pay in a shop, a reception counter greets visitors, and a bar counter serves drinks. All share the same idea: a flat surface for serving, working, or conducting business.
What is an example of a counter?
The checkout counter in a supermarket is a common example — a flat surface where a cashier serves customers and takes payment. Other everyday examples include a kitchen counter for chopping vegetables, a bank counter for handling transactions, and the counter at a café where drinks are ordered and collected.