counterattack

noun

ˈkau̇n-tər-ə-ˌtak How to pronounce counterattack (audio)
Definition of counterattacknext
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

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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 In its subsequent counterattack, Israel has killed more than 48,000 Palestinians, according to local officials. — Tara Suter, The Hill, 6 Mar. 2025 In some sectors, the Russians are actually retreating as Ukraine concentrates forces for local counterattacks. — David Axe, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025 Israeli officials say Hamas killed over 1,200 people and captured around 250 hostages during the attack of October 7, 2023, while Palestinian health officials say Israeli forces killed nearly 47,000 in counterattacks, Reuters reported. — Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025 The successful operation followed a similar Ukrainian counterattack earlier this month on the western side of Pokrovsk. — David Axe, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for counterattack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterattack
  1. attack
  2. counteroffensive
  3. assault
Noun
  • Although the direct hit damage from his Repulsor Blast is being decreased, the attack's spell field damage is being bolstered to make up for it.
    — Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Grimes said that, in the experience of KnowBe4, social engineering is involved in 70% - 90% of all successful hacking attacks.
    — Davey Winder, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of attack
Noun
  • And after that delay, the momentum on the front lines changed from Ukraine pursuing a mostly unsuccessful counteroffensive, to being largely in defense.
    — Nick Paton Walsh, CNN, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Democrats have focused their early counteroffensives on Musk, who is viewed more negatively than positively overall, according to the Pew survey.
    — Phillip M. Bailey, USA TODAY, 4 Mar. 2025
Definition of counteroffensive
Noun
  • Beijing has also softened its regulatory assault on Chinese technology companies and the property sector.
    — Jacky Wong, WSJ, 6 Feb. 2023
  • Zelenskyy has warned for weeks that Moscow aims to step up its assault after about two months of virtual stalemate along the front line that stretches across the south and east.
    — Reuters, NBC News, 31 Jan. 2023
Definition of assault

Browse Nearby Words

counterassaults
counterattack
counterattacker
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Counterattack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterattack. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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