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

The Hope spent much of its time ferrying sailors and the wounded from other ships or ports to military hospitals, and like the Comfort, it too was attacked multiple times, though each attack failed, usually just missing the ship.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Nov. 2026
Following the Halle synagogue attack, Germany provided 22 million euros in special federal funding for physical and technical security at Jewish sites.

— Marc Schneier, New York Daily News, 10 Nov. 2026

Definition of attack

Noun

After the raids ramped up in January, tens of thousands of former workers ended up in the capital, Phnom Penh, many sleeping in the streets.

— ABC News, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2026
Washington seized control of Venezuela's oil exports in January after ousting former President Nicolás Maduro in a military raid.

— Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of raid

Noun

Bass went on the offensive as well, hitting Raman over her shifting political positions on public safety, homelessness, housing production and other issues.

— Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
Almost from the moment the couples sit down, Wendy goes on the offensive, directing a barrage of questions toward Tia and Robert about the state of their relationship.

— Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of offensive

Noun

But this has been a season when Lakers coach JJ Redick said Doncic has provided the team more than just offense.

— Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
The teen also faces an allegation of having a prior conviction for a violent offense, which qualifies as a strike under California law.

— Richard Ramos, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of offense

Noun

Marshall’s campaign, in turn, faced an onslaught of controversies that his critics amplified in the race’s final weeks, including his medical debt collection practices and the blurred lines between his office and campaign staff.

— Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 4 Nov. 2026
The El Niño event is expected to peak in December, and experts say its onslaught could continue for months afterward.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of onslaught

Noun

However, Monday’s strikes appeared limited and did not indicate preparations for an immediate ground operation.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2026
An Israeli strike in Gaza's southern city of Khan Younis killed five people, according to Nasser Hospital, where the bodies were taken.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of strike

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 12 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of coup de main

noun

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