Counterchanging is a term used in heraldry, which means to interchange the colors or metals between the ordinaries or charges in a coat of arms. Synonyms for counterchanging include alternation, interchange, reversal, transposition, exchange, and switch. It involves the use of two contrasting colors or metals to create a pattern that resembles a checkerboard or a patchwork. This technique is most commonly used in heraldry to create a visually appealing design, often to represent a noble family's lineage. In modern times, counterchanging can also refer to any process of changing between two contrasting elements in a design or pattern, such as switching between light and dark colors in a fabric or wallpaper.