counterpunch

noun

coun·​ter·​punch ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌpənch How to pronounce counterpunch (audio)
Synonyms of counterpunchnext
: a counter in boxing
also : a countering blow or attack
counterpunch intransitive verb
counterpuncher noun

Examples of counterpunch in a Sentence

the last, desperate counterpunch of the German armies, known as the Battle of the Bulge
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.
Manny Pacquiao delivers counterpunch From Steve Henson: The case can be made that those who conceived and arranged the 2015 boxing match between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao deserve to be compensated. Senior Editor, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2026 But the Aztecs had a counterpunch for every Cowboys jab – a Miles Byrd drive that drew two free throws, a jump hook off the glass from Pharaoh Compton, a 3 from Magoon Gwath, a 3 from Taj DeGourville , a jumper in traffic from Dixon-Waters. Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Jan. 2026 Things went on, punch and counterpunch, over who did what with which social media posts and why At one point, Tamra and Emily Simpson got into a side fight, calling each other the same unprintable word several times. Peter Larsen, Oc Register, 21 Nov. 2025 The Warriors led by as many as six in the fourth quarter, but could not land the haymaker as the springy Spurs threw counterpunch after counterpunch until late. Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for counterpunch

Word History

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of counterpunch was in 1942

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Cite this Entry

“Counterpunch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterpunch. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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