as in counterattack
an attack made to counter an enemy's attack
the last, desperate counterpunch of the German armies, known as the Battle of the Bulge
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Recent Examples of counterpunch
This series has been about as evenly matched as could be, with the two teams trading punches and counterpunches game to game.
—
James Mirtle, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
While the Current pushed for a winner, the Courage ended up landing the quick counterpunch.
—Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 27 Apr. 2025
But for the first time in this series, the Florida Panthers were able to push back with a counterpunch that worked.
—James Mirtle, New York Times, 10 May 2025
The Red Sox extended the lead to 6-0 in the third thanks to Duran’s heroics, but the Guardians had a counterpunch up their sleeve.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 27 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterpunch
James Mirtle, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
While the Current pushed for a winner, the Courage ended up landing the quick counterpunch.
—Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 27 Apr. 2025
But for the first time in this series, the Florida Panthers were able to push back with a counterpunch that worked.
—James Mirtle, New York Times, 10 May 2025
The Red Sox extended the lead to 6-0 in the third thanks to Duran’s heroics, but the Guardians had a counterpunch up their sleeve.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 27 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterpunch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterpunch
counterattack
Noun
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However, if Iran is successful in a counterattack, Israel would likely strike back with even greater force, and other countries may decide to get involved.—
Mike Patton,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2025
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Russia, meanwhile, is expected to launch a counterattack against Ukraine, a plan Trump confirmed on Wednesday after speaking by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin.—
Ellen Mitchell,
The Hill,
4 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Counterpunch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterpunch. Accessed 29 Jun. 2025.
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