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counteroffensive
noun
coun·ter·of·fen·sive
ˈkau̇n-tər-ə-ˌfen(t)-siv
: a large-scale military offensive undertaken by a force previously on the defensive
Synonyms
Examples of counteroffensive in a Sentence
They mounted a counteroffensive against the enemy.
the army launched a counteroffensive at dawn
Recent Examples on the Web
Kyiv has reported Russian counteroffensives, which have been sluggish in wresting control over the border.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 24 Nov. 2024
Russian forces occupied Kherson for much of 2022 until a swift Ukrainian counteroffensive liberated the city that fall.
—David Axe, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
The big picture: Ukraine halted the Russian offensive far short of Kyiv before launching a counteroffensive.
—Dave Lawler, Axios, 19 Nov. 2024
The time has come for the Biden camp to launch an overwhelming counteroffensive, replete with highlight reels of Trump’s personal and professional failings — or risk losing in November.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 18 May 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1909, in the meaning defined above
Articles Related to counteroffensive
Dictionary Entries Near counteroffensive
Cite this Entry
“Counteroffensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counteroffensive. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
counteroffensive
noun
coun·ter·of·fen·sive
ˈkau̇nt-ə-rə-ˌfen(t)-siv
: a large-scale counterattack
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