COUNTEROFFENSIVE Synonyms: 12 Similar Words

counteroffensive

noun

ˈkau̇n-tər-ə-ˌfen(t)-siv

Definition of counteroffensive

as in counterattack

an attack made to counter an enemy's attack the army launched a counteroffensive at dawn

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 counteroffensive Washington thus should play to a stalemate but be ready to respond with a truly devastating counteroffensive if Iran raises the stakes. — James F. Jeffrey, Foreign Affairs, 3 Sep. 2026 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, 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 Syrskyi got the job after the 2023 counteroffensive failed, and the-then top commander, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, was moved to London as Ukraine’s ambassador. — Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for counteroffensive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for counteroffensive

counterattack

Noun

But just two minutes later, LAFC’s Armindo Sieb ripped a shot off a counterattack and Bouanga chipped home the rebound for his 18th goal in 30 MLS matches this season.

— Greg Beacham, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
In Whangarei, Braxton Sorensen-McGee, who turns 20 on Monday, settled a 31-12 win by New Zealand against France with a 75-meter counterattack try with 10 minutes left on Saturday.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of counterattack

Browse Nearby Words

countermoves

counteroffensive

counteroffensives

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“Counteroffensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counteroffensive. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of counteroffensive

noun

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