counterstrike

noun

coun·​ter·​strike ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌstrīk How to pronounce counterstrike (audio)
variants or counter-strike
plural counterstrikes or counter-strikes
Synonyms of counterstrikenext
: a strike that retaliates against or counters earlier strike : a return strike
government counterstrikes against the rebel stronghold
… the belief on both sides that any attack would be met with an equally devastating counterstrike.W. J. Hennigan and Brian Bennett

Synonyms of counterstrike

Examples of counterstrike in a Sentence

after countless strikes and counterstrikes, the positions of both armies remained essentially unchanged
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
However, Japan’s decision to equip its ships with long-range missiles signals its broader effort to strengthen deterrence and maintain a credible counterstrike capability in the event of a potential attack. Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 29 Mar. 2026 Ongoing strikes and counterstrikes on Persian Gulf refineries, pipelines, gas fields and tanker terminals threaten to the prolong the global economic pain for months, even years. Paul Wiseman, Fortune, 29 Mar. 2026 Ongoing strikes and counterstrikes on Persian Gulf refineries, pipelines, gas fields and tanker terminals threaten to the prolong the global economic pain for months, even years. ABC News, 28 Mar. 2026 The attacks and counterstrikes, combined with Iran’s ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, sent oil and natural gas prices soaring on global markets. Peter Weber, TheWeek, 19 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for counterstrike

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of counterstrike was in 1851

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Counterstrike.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterstrike. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster