COUP DE MAIN Synonyms: 55 Similar and Opposite Words

coup de main

noun

ˌkü-də-ˈmaⁿ

Definition of coup de main

as in attack

the act or action of setting upon with force or violence the Continental Army's attack on the British-Hessian encampment at Trenton, New Jersey, ranks as one of the most brilliant coups de main of the war

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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 coup de main Ryan Reynolds walked arm in arm with Blake Lively, and there were polite air-kisses and an appearance by Martha Stewart—but like the film’s coup de main, the night was filled with surprises. — Lauren Sanchez, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2018

Recent Examples of Synonyms for coup de main

Noun

While a ground operation would be complex, the ISIS report pointed out several possible avenues for attack.

— Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
That case focused mostly on the details of the knife attack itself; the federal one delves more into questions of motive.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 July 2026

Definition of attack

Noun

Instead, the Argentines should enjoy enormous credit for an all-out assault in the game’s final 10 or 12 minutes.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026
Syrsky is known as a more traditional commander, and his reforms have focused on forming new infantry assault groups and procuring traditional weapons.

— Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 16 July 2026

Definition of assault

Noun

The business remained open Saturday afternoon, but employees declined to comment on the raid when reached by phone.

— Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 July 2026
Gyorgy Sarosi, Hungary vs Italy, 1938 Hungary get back into it with a lightning-quick raid down the right, and skipper Sarosi is in the middle to convert a drilled cross.

— Adam Hurrey, New York Times, 17 July 2026

Definition of raid

Noun

Iran did claim in this year’s war that Erbil was one of the targets of its air force during the offensive its fighters took in the first days of the war, although this remains unconfirmed.

— Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
The group built underground networks through assassinations, extortion, intimidation and infiltration before launching its offensive.

— Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2026

Definition of offensive

Noun

James was also utilized as a facilitator and had his share of struggles running the offense smoothly.

— Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026
Along came evening ice time in Edina, jerseys, referees, fans and even a few celebrity coaches directing the 4-on-4 action that’s heavy on offense and showmanship, and light on defense and fundamentals.

— Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 17 July 2026

Definition of offense

Noun

What if Penelope’s waiting is her own form of aggression, a way of holding a space, for as long as possible, that excludes the men and their own attempts at power?

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 July 2026
When scientists temporarily disabled mole-rats’ olfactory sensory neurons with chemicals, the aggression towards strangers disappeared.

— Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 21 July 2026

Definition of aggression

Browse Nearby Words

coup de grâce

coup de main

coupe

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Style

“Coup de main.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coup%20de%20main. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of coup de main

noun

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