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Definition of counterculture

counterculture

/ˈkaʊntɚˌkʌltʃɚ/
coun · ter · cul · ture
Adverb:counterculturally
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Plural:countercultures
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Adjective:countercultural
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counterculture Lexical Profile

counterculture Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A way of life and set of attitudes opposed to or at variance with the prevailing social norm.

Example

"The 1960s counterculture challenged traditional ideas about authority, war, and personal freedom."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for counterculture
Antonyms
View all antonyms for counterculture

Word Nuance & Usage

While a 'subculture' merely exists as a distinct group within a larger society, a 'counterculture' actively opposes and seeks to replace the dominant societal norms and values.

• Nearby Words

counterclaimant
counterclockwise
countercultural
counterculture
counterdemonstrate
counterdemonstration
counterdemonstrator

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the 1960s by sociologists from the prefix 'counter-' (against) and 'culture', popularized by Theodore Roszak's 1969 book 'The Making of a Counter Culture'.

Cite this Entry

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