Thesaurus results for COUNTERATTACK

counterattack

noun

ˈkau̇n-tər-ə-ˌtak

Definition of counterattack

as in attack

an attack made to counter an enemy's attack suddenly the tide of battle turned, and the rebels, who had been falling back, made a furious counterattack

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 counterattack Advisers also expressed worry about the prospect of a widening war in the Middle East, the anger of key Gulf allies targeted by Iran’s counterattack, and the potential for an energy or a refugee crisis. — Jonathan Lemire, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026 While dealing with an impending counterattack from Oda, Murashige finds that trouble stirs in his own courts as mysterious deaths, from a child prisoner to other officials, end up mysteriously murdered. — Zachary Lee, IndieWire, 27 July 2026 Bouanga's pass then set Martínez loose on a counterattack with Son in injury time, and Martínez buried his sixth goal. — ABC News, 26 July 2026 On a counterattack, Paintsil put away a feed from Marco Reus with a first-touch finish that opened the scoring in the 13th minute. — Los Angeles Times, 26 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for counterattack

Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterattack

Noun

Detectives charged him with murder, manslaughter and criminal possession of a weapon for the vicious attack that killed his mother, 57-year-old Josefa Soto de Guzman, on Friday.

— Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 26 Aug. 2026
Just like Ejva, who suddenly needs to learn how to protect the herd and make her family proud, even when a violent attack leaves her struggling.

— Marta Balaga, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of attack

Noun

The campaign has put pressure on Russian logistics in Crimea, giving Ukrainian forces a degree of battlefield momentum that Kyiv has not enjoyed since its successful counteroffensives around Kherson and Kharkiv in late 2022.

— ABC News, ABC News, 26 Aug. 2026
Syrskyi made his mark with the defense of Kyiv, the Kharkiv counteroffensive and the incursion into Kursk.

— David Kirichenko, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of counteroffensive

Noun

He has been charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, inflicting serious injury, the department said.

— Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 27 Aug. 2026
Castro is charged in Minnesota with assault and falsely reporting a crime in the January 14 shooting of 24-year-old Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026