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Synonyms

countermeasure

American  
[kaun-ter-mezh-er] / ˈkaʊn tərˌmɛʒ ər /

noun

  1. an opposing, offsetting, or retaliatory measure.


countermeasure British  
/ ˈkaʊntəˌmɛʒə /

noun

  1. action taken to oppose, neutralize, or retaliate against some other action

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of countermeasure

First recorded in 1920–25; counter- + measure


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.

See Examples For:

As a drone countermeasure, the use of chaff isn’t completely new.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 22, 2026

A buffer zone in southern Lebanon would do little to eliminate that threat, Heller told AFP, "for which it doesn't seem like the Israelis have an effective countermeasure."

From Barron's ● Jun. 2, 2026

Diaz Artiles and her team aim to collect cardiovascular responses using each countermeasure and compare effects on ocular perfusion pressure and other cardiovascular functions that may be affected by microgravity environments.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 19, 2024

"It seems likely that North Korea saw little value in him as a countermeasure to a U.S. human rights campaign against themselves by highlighting racial issues in America," he said.

From Reuters ● Sep. 27, 2023

One month later, as a countermeasure, the United States tried to send up its first test vehicle, named Vanguard.

From "Reaching for the Moon" by Katherine Johnson

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