counteroffensive

noun

coun·​ter·​of·​fen·​sive ˈkau̇n-tər-ə-ˌfen(t)-siv 

: a large-scale military offensive undertaken by a force previously on the defensive

Synonyms of counteroffensive

• counterattack

Examples of counteroffensive in a Sentence

They mounted a counteroffensive against the enemy.

the army launched a counteroffensive at dawn

Recent Examples on the Web

Instead, a Ukrainian counteroffensive drove the occupiers out. — Scott Peterson, Christian Science Monitor, 7 Oct. 2026

Later that fall, Ukraine's counteroffensive drove the Russians back in some places. — Greg Myre, NPR, 5 Oct. 2026

Israel’s resulting counteroffensive has resulted in 74,000 Palestinian deaths, according to figures issued by the Gaza Health Ministry. — David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026

Washington thus should play to a stalemate but be ready to respond with a truly devastating counteroffensive if Iran raises the stakes. — James F. Jeffrey, Foreign Affairs, 3 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for counteroffensive

• antihypertensive
• apprehensive
• coextensive
• comprehensive
• hypertensive
• hypotensive
• inexpensive
• inoffensive
• normotensive
• defensive
• expensive
• extensive

Kids Definition

counteroffensive

noun

coun·​ter·​of·​fen·​sive ˈkau̇nt-ə-rə-ˌfen(t)-siv 

: a large-scale counterattack