coup de main

noun

ˌkü-də-ˈmaⁿ How to pronounce coup de main (audio)
Definition of coup de mainnext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 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
  1. attack
  2. assault
  3. raid
  4. offensive
  5. offense
  6. onslaught
  7. strike
  8. aggression
Noun
  • Despite distancing herself from her Democratic predecessor, Klobuchar faced attacks from Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth, who ran in the Republican primary, arguing that her leadership would be tantamount to giving Walz another term.
    — Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 12 Aug. 2026
  • While mass shootings are still rare in Thailand, the country has seen an uptick in high-profile attacks in recent years.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of attack
Noun
  • Tracey was arrested days after the incident and charged with endangering the welfare of a child, simple assault, harassment and obstruction.
    — Adam Sabes , Preston Mizell, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Januchowski pleaded not guilty July 14 to three misdemeanor counts each of first-degree assault and second-degree endangering the welfare of a minor, court records state.
    — Grant Lancaster, Arkansas Online, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of assault
Noun
  • Even Haitians who have been naturalized or hold green cards are keeping a low profile, fearful of being caught in an immigration raid.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 8 Aug. 2026
  • In recent attacks on Kyiv, air-raid sirens have sounded at the same time as impacts.
    — Nathan Hodge, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of raid
Noun
  • The protests were met by a brutal government crackdown and spiraled into a 14-year civil war that ended with Assad’s ouster in a lightning rebel offensive.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Former Kansas football offensive tackle Hakeem Adeniji, a first-team all-Big 12 selection in 2019 and starter on the Cincinnati Bengals’ 2022 AFC championship team, has apparently decided to retire from the NFL at the age of 28.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of offensive
Noun
  • The Cubs offense quickly erased the 1-0 deficit behind four consecutive hitters reaching with two outs in the top of the second.
    — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Continuing on the trial theme, the offense repped 12- and 11-personnel during the media viewing period.
    — Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of offense
Noun
  • After surviving the initial onslaught, the consumer might choose a higher level.
    — Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Ukraine has been largely helpless in similar Russian onslaughts in recent weeks.
    — Tom Bowman, NPR, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of onslaught
Noun
  • Drones struck the nearby town of Al-Burj Al-Shamali, which was subsequently hit by a strike from a fighter jet, NNA said on Thursday, adding that people were seen fleeing toward Tyre.
    — Todd Symons, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Despite last year's strike, staff are looking forward to a new year on a new campus.
    — Kara St. Cyr, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of strike
Noun
  • Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a strategic partnership agreement in 2024 that pledged mutual aid if either country faced aggression.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • End the war and aggression against Iran and its allies in Lebanon, Palestine, Yemen, and Iraq forever.
    — Tiago Ventura, Time, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of aggression

Browse Nearby Words

coup de grâce
coup de main
coupe
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Coup de main.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coup%20de%20main. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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