Find Antonyms

counterattack Antonyms

Opposite of counterattack

Because the opposite of counterattack shifts with each meaning, the antonyms and opposite words below are separated across 2 exact definitions and ranked by contrast strength.
JUMP TO:

• noun (Context 1)

An attack, criticism, or offensive play made in response to an initial attack or challenge by an opponent.

Usage Example

"The visiting soccer team scored two quick goals on the retreat in the second half."

Strongest
retreat
Strong
surrender
withdrawal

• verb (Context 2)

To attack or take offensive action in response to an attack, criticism, or play by an opponent.

Usage Example

"During the championship chess match, the grandmaster waited patiently before choosing the exact moment to retreat."

Strongest
retreat
Strong
surrender
yield
withdraw

Similar words to counterattack

Words similar to counterattack shift depending on context. Common synonyms include:

strike back
counterstrike
counteroffensive
fight back
retaliate
counter
hit back
retaliation
See all synonyms of counterattack

• Nearby Words

counteractive
counterargue
counterargument
counterattack
counterattacker
counterbalance
counterchallenge

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Antonyms for Counterattack. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/antonyms/counterattack
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.