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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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
Lauren Sanchez, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for coup de main
Noun
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In recent years, a litany of violent, seemingly unprovoked attacks across Metro led to the deaths or severe injury of several passengers—a confirmation of Angelenos’ worst fears about the system.—
Oren Peleg,
New Yorker,
9 May 2026
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According to the Qataris, two Iranian ballistic missiles and three drone attacks led to the injury of three people in the Gulf nation.—
Michael Loria,
USA Today,
9 May 2026
Noun
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Brown is expected to face multiple charges, including two counts of armed assault with intent to murder, along with weapons offenses.—
Greg Wehner,
FOXNews.com,
12 May 2026
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After being medically cleared at a hospital, Villalobos-Espinoza was booked into the Sonoma County Jail on suspicion of vehicle theft, felony evading, assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer and an enhancement for prior theft convictions.—
Tim Fang,
CBS News,
11 May 2026
Noun
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In Thursday’s season finale, Eddie is caught in the crosshairs of Anatoly Caster (Alan Starzinski), the scion of a corrupt businessman who was the target of a police raid, led by protagonist Athena Grant (Angela Bassett), for facilitating a human trafficking ring involving migrants in Los Angeles.—
Max Gao,
HollywoodReporter,
8 May 2026
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Shopping malls across Southern California have also struggled to bring sales back as immigration raids continue to scare customers away.—
Itzel Luna,
Los Angeles Times,
8 May 2026
Noun
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When a bill to pour billions into financing Israel’s military came across Congressman Kweisi Mfume’s desk, Israel’s military offensive in Gaza had claimed a death toll of over 70,000 people, as reported by local health authorities and acknowledged as broadly accurate by the Israeli military.—
Mark Conway,
Baltimore Sun,
9 May 2026
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After a largely grotesque first quarter offensive for Minnesota in Game 3 on Friday night, Anthony Edwards lit a match that set Target Center ablaze.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
9 May 2026
Noun
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The lack of offense wasted a nice job from the Angels’ bullpen after starter Reid Detmers had a frustrating outing.—
Jeff Fletcher,
Oc Register,
9 May 2026
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This week the offense added to that tally, with three consecutive walk-off wins and a four-game sweep of the Cincinnati Reds.—
Claire Malon,
Chicago Tribune,
9 May 2026
Noun
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The move triggered an onslaught of requests from wind and solar developers wanting to build projects in Sardinia.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
7 May 2026
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The Minnesota Wild, led by Quinn Hughes’ outstanding two-goal night, held on through a late-game onslaught.—
James Mirtle,
New York Times,
1 May 2026
Noun
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Some observers allege that, because Tomahawks can be controlled with precision, the strike was intentional.—
Zohreh Saberi,
Los Angeles Times,
6 May 2026
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In the northeastern city of Kharkiv, the ministry said, two women were injured by a drone strike on a house in the southwest of the city which also sparked a fire.—
David Brennan,
ABC News,
6 May 2026
Noun
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Children are also on screens now more than ever, which is believed to contribute to more anxiety, depression, aggression and hyperactivity.—
Stacker,
Hartford Courant,
9 May 2026
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But a full strength Edwards frequently finds ways to make opponents pay for such aggression by firing up the boosters to turn a corner and get downhill with aggression.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
9 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Coup de main.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coup%20de%20main. Accessed 12 May. 2026.
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