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Definition of counterclockwise

counterclockwise

/ˌkaʊn.tɚˈklɑːk.waɪz/
coun · ter · clock · wise
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counterclockwise Lexical Profile

• adverb

1

North American In the direction opposite to the movement of the hands of a clock.

Example

"Turn the valve counterclockwise to release the water pressure."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for counterclockwise
Antonyms
View all antonyms for counterclockwise

• adjective

1

North American Moving or directed in a circle opposite to the direction in which the hands of a clock move.

Example

"Runners on a standard outdoor track always follow a counterclockwise path."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for counterclockwise
Antonyms
View all antonyms for counterclockwise

Word Nuance & Usage

'Counterclockwise' is the standard term in American and Canadian English, whereas 'anticlockwise' is standard in British, Australian, and New Zealand English.

• Rhymes for counterclockwise

• Nearby Words

countercharge
counterclaim
counterclaimant
counterclockwise
countercultural
counterculture
counterdemonstrate

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Counterclockwise. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/counterclockwise
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