-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
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
After the summer counteroffensive faltered in the face of Russia's extensive use of drones, the U.S. ramped up support for Ukrainian drone manufacturers in September, 2023, strengthening ties between American tech companies and Ukrainian producers.
—Katya Soldak, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
As Ukraine’s stunning counteroffensives in Kharkiv and Kherson in the fall of 2022 got underway, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky continued to call on Washington to provide Kyiv with longer-range missiles.
—Michael Poznansky, Foreign Affairs, 3 Jan. 2025
In September 2022, Ukrainian forces launched a successful counteroffensive in northern Kharkiv region.
—Katya Soldak, Forbes, 19 Nov. 2024
Analysts believe that Ukraine is unlikely to start a major counteroffensive this year, choosing instead to spend the time reconstituting its forces.
—Josh Holder, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for counteroffensive
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.
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 29 Jan. 2025.
Kids Definition
counteroffensive
noun
coun·ter·of·fen·sive
ˈkau̇nt-ə-rə-ˌfen(t)-siv
: a large-scale counterattack
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share