as in attack
the act or action of setting upon with force or violence
the Continental Army's attack on the British-Hessian encampment at Trenton, New Jersey, ranks as one of the most brilliant coups de main of the war
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Recent Examples of coup de main
Ryan Reynolds walked arm in arm with Blake Lively, and there were polite air-kisses and an appearance by Martha Stewart—but like the film’s coup de main, the night was filled with surprises.
—
Lauren Sanchez, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2018
Lauren Sanchez, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for coup de main
Noun
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Newsom has recently come under attack by critics of his handling of the historic wildfires.—
Daniel R. Depetris,
Newsweek,
12 Jan. 2025
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After much debate, the city finally decided to keep the reservoir open and use it for emergencies such as earthquakes, droughts and terror attacks, The Times reported in 2002.—
Shelby Grad,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Jan. 2025
Noun
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In an email exchange from February 2011, a soldier told a senior officer of a raid in which a lone Afghan fighter, ordered to go back inside a building, returned with a weapon, even though he was heavily outnumbered.—
Mark Landler,
New York Times,
8 Jan. 2025
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While the officers denied it, Knight and his brother told the court that police had beaten Knight during the raid, leaving him bleeding from the side of his mouth.—
Shirsho Dasgupta,
Miami Herald,
8 Jan. 2025
Noun
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New York City and environs will be mostly spared the onslaught that is barreling east from the Midwest and set to hit the Mid-Atlantic states Sunday night, including Washington DC.—
Theresa Braine,
New York Daily News,
5 Jan. 2025
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The deadly onslaught raised questions about future high-profile events in New Orleans, most notably the Super Bowl, which is set for Feb. 9 at the Superdome.—
Jesse Kirsch,
NBC News,
3 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Beijing has also softened its regulatory assault on Chinese technology companies and the property sector.—
Jacky Wong,
WSJ,
6 Feb. 2023
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Zelenskyy has warned for weeks that Moscow aims to step up its assault after about two months of virtual stalemate along the front line that stretches across the south and east.—
Reuters,
NBC News,
31 Jan. 2023
Noun
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At least 80 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes since the announcement, Gaza’s Civil Defense said.—
Jennifer Jett,
NBC News,
17 Jan. 2025
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Gaza's Health Ministry said at least 48 people were killed in Israeli strikes between midday Wednesday and Thursday morning.—
Bradford Betz,
Fox News,
16 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Trump could continue a charm offensive to try and get his way.—
Matt Galka,
Baltimore Sun,
9 Jan. 2025
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Monday marked five months since Ukrainian units crossed into Kursk in a surprise summer 2024 offensive.—
David Brennan,
ABC News,
7 Jan. 2025
Noun
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In Texas’ playoff loss last year against the University of Washington, Ewers final pass attempt at the goal line that could have tied the game was low and knocked away.—
Mac Engel,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 Jan. 2025
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Wade’s legal attempt to extend his eligibility via challenging Bylaw 12.8 is not a first-of-its kind.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
11 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The Chiefs offense produced the third most yards after catch in the league.—
Sam McDowell,
Kansas City Star,
19 Jan. 2025
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He was convicted of a drug offense in 1994 and served eight years in prison.—
Colleen Long,
Chicago Tribune,
19 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near coup de main
Cite this Entry
“Coup de main.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coup%20de%20main. Accessed 23 Jan. 2025.
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