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
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Recent Examples of counterattack
The officer recalled that they had been ordered to ready themselves for a counterattack.
—
Danny Makki, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
The toll of German resistance and counterattack on the Allied combat units was enormous.
—Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2025
Ukraine’s use of Tomahawks — subsonic cruise missiles that can strike targets from 1,000 miles away —would give the country the ability to ramp up its counterattacks on Russia.
—Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2025
Proposition 50 may be framed as a counterattack against Republican gerrymanders in Texas.
—Duane Roberts, Oc Register, 11 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterattack
Danny Makki, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
The toll of German resistance and counterattack on the Allied combat units was enormous.
—Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2025
Ukraine’s use of Tomahawks — subsonic cruise missiles that can strike targets from 1,000 miles away —would give the country the ability to ramp up its counterattacks on Russia.
—Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2025
Proposition 50 may be framed as a counterattack against Republican gerrymanders in Texas.
—Duane Roberts, Oc Register, 11 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterattack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterattack
Noun
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All three nuclear powers have established their own nuclear triad, consisting of ICBMs, submarines armed with ballistic missiles and nuclear-capable aircraft, which ensure their forces can survive a first strike and retaliate, thereby deterring a nuclear attack.—
Ryan Chan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
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But in the final weeks of the race, both campaigns traded personal attacks.—
Joe Hernandez,
NPR,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
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President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited troops Tuesday in nearby Dobropillia, where Ukrainian forces are staging a counteroffensive to try and draw Russia’s focus.—
Elmira Aliieva,
NBC news,
5 Nov. 2025
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Zhenya notes with quiet concern that he’s been playing patriotic music at home and has mentioned a desire to join the military counteroffensive.—
Sheri Linden,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
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In addition to the murder charge, Thompson faces charges of committing a terroristic act, aggravated assault, engaging in violent criminal group activity and endangering the welfare of a minor, according to the jail roster.—
Rafael Escalera Montoto,
Arkansas Online,
9 Nov. 2025
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He is being held on a $2 million bond for a murder charge and must pay $200,000, as well as a $5,000 bond for an assault charge, to be released.—
Matthew Cupelli,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
8 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Counterattack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterattack. Accessed 16 Nov. 2025.
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