Browse by letter

English Words Starting With C

13,732 entries — pick a word to see its definition, pronunciation, and usage.

Filter

Parts of speech

Noun Verb Adjective Adverb Plural noun Combining form Verb (transitive)Verb (intransitive)Verb (ambitransitive)

counterpoise bridge
nounVery Low
/ˈkaʊn.tə.pɔɪz brɪdʒ/A bascule bridge where the roadway is balanced by a heavy counterweight.
counterpose
verb-transitiveC2
/ˈkaʊn.tə.pəʊz/To set something in opposition or contrast to something else.
counterpressure
nounC1
/ˌkaʊn.tə.ˈpreʃ.ər/An opposing force or pressure applied to resist, counteract, or balance another pressure.
counterprogram
verb-intransitiveverb-transitiveC2
/ˌkaʊn.təˈprəʊ.ɡræm/To schedule a competing programme against a major event or broadcast to attract a different audience or compete directly.
counterproof
nounC2
/ˈkaʊntəpruːf/A proof or piece of evidence that contradicts or refutes a previous claim or argument.
counterpropaganda
nounC2
/ˌkaʊn.tə.prɒp.əˈɡæn.də/Information, often disseminated systematically, that is designed to counter or oppose the effects of propaganda from an opposing group, government, or entity.
counterproposal
nounC1
/ˌkaʊn.təˈprəʊ.pəʊ.zəl/A proposal made in opposition to or as an alternative to a previous proposal.
counterproposition
nounLow
/ˌkaʊn.tə.prɒp.əˈzɪʃ.ən/A proposition or offer made in opposition to or as a response to another proposition.
counterpunch
nounverbC1
/ˈkaʊn.tə.pʌntʃ/A punch thrown in immediate response to an opponent's attack.
counterpurchase
nounC1+
/ˈkaʊn.tə.pɜː.tʃəs/A reciprocal trade agreement where one party agrees to buy goods from another, on condition that the seller also purchases goods of equivalent value from the first party.
counterreformation
nounC2
/ˌkaʊn.təˌref.əˈmeɪ.ʃən/A reform movement within the Roman Catholic Church in the 16th and 17th centuries, aimed at opposing the Protestant Reformation and revitalising the Church.
counterreply
nounverb-intransitiveverb-transitiveLow
/ˌkaʊn.tə.rɪˈplaɪ/A reply made in response to a previous reply, continuing a sequence of argument or discussion.
counterrevolution
nounC2
/ˌkaʊn.tə.rev.əˈluː.ʃən/A revolution aimed at overthrowing a government that was established by a previous revolution, or a movement that seeks to reverse the political, social, or economic changes brought about by a revolution.
counterrevolutionary
adjectivenounC1
/ˌkaʊn.təˌrev.əˈluː.ʃən.ər.i/A person or action opposing a revolution; seeking to overthrow a revolutionary government or reverse its changes.
counterscarp
nounVery Low
/ˈkaʊntəskɑːp/The outer slope or wall of a defensive ditch in a fortification, facing away from the defended area.
countershading
nounC2
/ˈkaʊn.təˌʃeɪ.dɪŋ/A camouflage technique where an animal's coloration is darker on the upper side and lighter on the underside to counteract the effect of natural light and appear less three-dimensional.
countershaft
nounC2
/ˈkaʊn.tə.ʃɑːft/A secondary shaft in machinery that runs parallel to a main shaft, receiving power from it (often via a pulley or gear) and transmitting it to another part of the machine.
countersign
nounverbverb-transitiveC2
/ˈkaʊntəsʌɪn/A sign, signal, or password given in response to another to confirm identity or authority.
countersignature
nounC1
/ˈkaʊntəˌsɪɡnətʃə(r)/A second signature added to a document to confirm its authenticity or to endorse the action of the first signatory.
countersink
nounverbverb-transitiveC1
/ˈkaʊntəsɪŋk/A tool or process for making a conical recess so that a screw or bolt head sits flush with or below a surface.

Showing 11241–11260 of 13732 words.