Definition of counterpunchnext
as in counterattack
an attack made to counter an enemy's attack the last, desperate counterpunch of the German armies, known as the Battle of the Bulge

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 counterpunch Griffin’s Miami counterpunch didn’t come from nowhere. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 6 May 2026 Philadelphia landed a counterpunch in Game 2. — Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 22 Apr. 2026 But the Aztecs had a counterpunch for every Cowboys jab – a Miles Byrd drive that drew two free throws, a jump hook off the glass from Pharaoh Compton, a 3 from Magoon Gwath, a 3 from Taj DeGourville , a jumper in traffic from Dixon-Waters. — Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Jan. 2026 The counterpunch for Republicans is the fact that off-year elections — those held in odd years not during traditional general elections — get less attention and are often poor measures for the overall mood of the electorate. — Christian Orozco, NBC news, 5 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for counterpunch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterpunch
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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster