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 counterpunch came swiftly after the U.S. Commerce Department expanded the list of Chinese technology companies subject to export controls to include many that make equipment used to make computer chips, chipmaking tools and software. —Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 3 Dec. 2024

Defenses seemed to figure out his schemes and play-calling tendencies, and Kingsbury struggled to develop counterpunches. —Mike Jones, The Athletic, 24 Nov. 2024

Instead, Seattle will likely view Smith and the passing game as diverse enough to have counterpunches for everything. —Michael-Shawn Dugar, The Athletic, 7 Aug. 2024

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

Word History

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined above