Thesaurus results for COUNTERATTACK

counterattack

noun

ˈkau̇n-tər-ə-ˌtak

Definition of counterattack

as in attack

an attack made to counter an enemy's attack suddenly the tide of battle turned, and the rebels, who had been falling back, made a furious counterattack

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of counterattack Coaches around the league rave about Spagnuolo’s ability to enter a game with a plan and then build counterattacks from there. — Jeff Howe, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026 Yet the counterattack to that is what’s going on politically and socially in the world today, which is the clawing back of women’s rights, of human rights. — Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 3 Sep. 2026 For example, Way of the Sword rewards defensive play in the form of Issen, powerful counterattacks that are triggered by attacking before an enemy strikes. — Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 31 Aug. 2026 Capcom is emphasizing deliberate blade-on-blade combat, with precise parries, directional deflects, Issen counterattacks, Reflex Combos, Oni Armaments, Oni Strength, Oni Agility, soul absorption, environmental attacks and dynamic dismemberment. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for counterattack

Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterattack

Noun

Avila said the attack left her with severe injuries to her arm and face, extensive scarring, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

— Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 30 Sep. 2026
His comments came days after the army chiefs of Pakistan, Turkey and Saudi Arabia met in Riyadh to discuss responses to Houthi attacks.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of attack

Noun

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

Definition of counteroffensive

Noun

Another suspect in the 2023 attacks, Italian anti-fascist activist Ilaria Salis, was jailed in Hungary for over a year following the assaults, resulting in a diplomatic dispute between Rome and Budapest over her treatment in detention.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 1 Oct. 2026
Cotton also rejected an argument by Brown’s lawyers that jurors were biased because Brown’s felony conviction for his 2009 domestic violence assault on his then-girlfriend, Rihanna, was mentioned.

— Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of assault

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“Counterattack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterattack. Accessed 7 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of counterattack

noun

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