counterpunch

noun

coun·​ter·​punch ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌpənch 

: a counter in boxing

also : a countering blow or attack

counterpunch intransitive verb

counterpuncher

ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌpən-chər 

noun

Synonyms

• counterassault
• counterattack
• counteroffensive
• counterstrike

Examples of counterpunch in a Sentence

the last, desperate counterpunch of the German armies, known as the Battle of the Bulge

Recent Examples on the Web

The Clippers always had counterpunches to Golden State’s pushes. —Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 27 Oct. 2024

One week into the new presidential race, Donald Trump and his allies are struggling to find a coherent counterpunch that works against Vice President Kamala Harris. —Noah Bressner, Axios, 29 July 2024

Curt dodges the Brit’s awkward blow and drops him with a counterpunch. —Chris Klimek, Vulture, 26 Jan. 2024

The sequel, for all its punches and counterpunches, Iowa’s long-distance bombs and L.S.U.’s relentless rebounding, is unlikely to have the lingering impact of the original. —Billy Witz, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined above