Can I counterspell with a Dispel Magic Spell-Like Ability

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Spell-like abilities cannot be used to counterspell, nor can they be counterspelled.

Says PHB.

Counterspell: When dispel magic is used in this way, the spell targets a spellcaster and is cast as a counterspell. Unlike a true counterspell, however, dispel magic may not work; you must make a dispel check to counter the other spellcaster’s spell.

Also says PHB.

So let's say someone has dispel magic as spell-like ability, which "cannot be used to counterspell", can he use this spell-like ability to counterspell another guy who is casting spell (not a spell-like ability) with this spell-like ability?

I am asking this because it seems using a dispel magic to counterspell (while the targeted spell is not another dispel magic) is not a "true counterspell", as noted in PHB. So perhaps the "false counterspell" could work with this spell-like ability (especially when it is part of the spell's effect).

I see quite a lot of high-level monsters have access to dispel magic and greater dispel magic as a spell-like ability, and I wonder if they can use it in this way.

Best Answer

No

Spell-like abilities cannot be used to counterspell, nor can they be counterspelled.

This is unambiguous. You cannot use a spell-like ability to counterspell.

The text of dispel magic does not contradict this. You can use the spell dispel magic to counter another spell but must make a dispel check. You cannot use it to counterspell a spell-like ability, because the rule says those cannot be countered, with dispel magic or otherwise.

A counterspell normally is the use of the same-named spell to counter another instance of that spell, as explained under counterspells. This is what dispel magic refers to, when it says "true counterspell". It's not about how dispel magic is cast.

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