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strike back

VERB
retaliate
Synonyms
STRONGEST
reciprocate
STRONG
get pay recompense repay requite retrospect return revenge revive settle
WEAK
even the score exact retribution get back at make reprisal pay back return the compliment square accounts take an eye for an eye take revenge turn the tables on turn upon wreak vengeance
Antonyms
STRONG
depart leave lose take
WEAK
forgive pardon sympathize

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.

"If he were to adopt an unfriendly stance -- demanding concessions from China or attempting to coerce us into doing things we are unwilling to do, we would strike back with force," Wen told AFP.

From Barron's • Apr. 23, 2026

Beijing is considering ways to strike back against any tariffs reimposed under new legal authority—a situation that could bring an abrupt end to a fragile China-U.S. detente.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 24, 2026

And the rest of the NFL fearing that the empire could be about to strike back.

From BBC • Feb. 4, 2026

"Our advantage over our rivals disappeared across Austin and Mexico, but we can strike back in Brazil."

From Barron's • Nov. 6, 2025

He felt like they’d prodded the poisonous snake about as much as they could and the snake was about strike back.

From "Blood of Olympus" by Rick Riordan

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