first strike

NOUN

tactic in warfare

Synonyms

WEAK

descent on descent upon preemptive nuclear attack preventive strike preventive war surgical strike

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Until hours before the first strike, Emirati officials undertook intensive diplomatic efforts from Tehran to Washington.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

Buck Turgidson, one of the film’s most memorable characters, while agitating the president in the war room for a first strike against the Soviet Union.

From Salon • Mar. 10, 2026

Schools have been closed since the strike began Monday, leaving families to scramble for child care and meals as teachers rallied for their first strike since 1979.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 13, 2026

Footage of the first strike has already been released.

From BBC • Dec. 4, 2025

From there, he sent his most trusted general ahead to lead the first strike.

From "Sterling Biographies®: Cleopatra: Egypt's Last and Greatest Queen" by Susan Blackaby