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

Kyiv has stepped up its attacks on Russia this year, with long-range missiles and swarms of drones targeting military industries and energy facilities.

— ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
Weeks of Iranian drone and missile attacks on the UAE earlier this year, the vast majority of which were intercepted, sparked tensions among locals and hammered the country's tourism and aviation industry.

— Jenni Reid,Emma Graham, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of attack

Noun

De Lutiis scored himself in the 58th, backing up in support at the perfect time after an Australian attacking raid that started with flyhalf Carter Gordon breaking the defensive line and running 30 meters toward the right corner flag.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
State lawmakers are considering a bill that would require large retailers to preserve documentation of immigration enforcement activity on their premises, following ICE raids at Home Depot parking lots in Southern California last summer.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of raid

Noun

Analysts say the Houthis appear to be mobilizing for an offensive that would aim to take more of the Red Sea coastline.

— Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
The former Missouri offensive lineman has spent time at both tackle spots during training camp and started at right tackle on Saturday.

— Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of offensive

Noun

Bragg's office contends that the state charges, including murder and firearms offenses, involve different legal elements and criminal conduct than federal charges, which alleged Mangione traveled across state lines to stalk and kill Thompson.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
Their offense has one of the NFL’s best defenses to sharpen itself against in practice.

— Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of offense

Noun

He also, unfortunately, ceded possession to PSG’s counter-press, contributing to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s thunderous strike taking the lead.

— Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
Rengifo came to the plate with the bases loaded and two outs in the second inning after Tatis challenged a strike call that was overturned for a walk.

— ABC News, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of strike

Noun

The United States must therefore carefully balance the need to de-risk against the need to deter aggression.

— GLORIA XIONG, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026
Game fowl are bred for aggression by definition, said Jenny Berg, California state director of the Humane World for Animals, which worked with Rogers on the bill.

— Naomi Taxay, Sacbee.com, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of aggression

Browse Nearby Words

coup de grâce

coup de main

coupe

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“Coup de main.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coup%20de%20main. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of coup de main

noun

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