counterploy
Answering tactical maneuver
A counterploy is a maneuver designed to oppose or neutralize someone else's stratagem.
The word implies tactical thinking—responding to an opponent's scheme with a scheme of your own: Her counterploy caught them off guard.
Less common than countermove or countermeasure, it carries a slightly literary or old-fashioned flavor.
Deceptive mock attack
- ruseDeliberate act of deception
- subterfugeDeliberate deception to conceal
- bluffCalculated false front
- artificeClever deceptive strategy
misdirection · decoy · diversion · smokescreen · false flag · double bluff · sleight · camouflage
Defense against a threat
- gambitRisky opening for advantage
- maneuverDeliberate tactical movement
- stratagemDeceptive plan for advantage
- tacticPlanned action for advantage
scheme · response · riposte · parry · counteroffensive · preemption · flanking · repositioning
Punitive action in return
- retributionPunishment for wrongdoing
- counterstrikeRetaliatory military action
- counterblowRetaliatory strike
- paybackRetaliation for wrongs
tit-for-tat · reciprocation · counterpunch · comeback · rejoinder · retort · pushback · rebuff
Sacrifice answering opponent's sacrifice
- defenseProtection against harm
- prophylaxisPreventive medical treatment
- refutationDisproving a statement
- trapDevice for catching animals
feint
Deceptive mock attack
- ruseDeliberate act of deception
- subterfugeDeliberate deception to conceal
- bluffCalculated false front
artifice · misdirection · decoy · diversion · smokescreen · false flag · double bluff · sleight · camouflage · dissimulation
countermeasure
Defense against a threat
- gambitRisky opening for advantage
- maneuverDeliberate tactical movement
- stratagemDeceptive plan for advantage
tactic · scheme · response · riposte · parry · counteroffensive · preemption · flanking · repositioning · initiative
reprisal
Punitive action in return
- retributionPunishment for wrongdoing
- counterstrikeRetaliatory military action
- counterblowRetaliatory strike
payback · tit-for-tat · reciprocation · counterpunch · comeback · rejoinder · retort · pushback · rebuff
countergambit
Sacrifice answering opponent's sacrifice
- defenseProtection against harm
- prophylaxisPreventive medical treatment
- refutationDisproving a statement
counterployopening gambit
Initial strategic maneuver
first move · gambit · preemptive strike · offensive · initiative
counterploydirect action
Confrontational political tactics
frontal assault · candor · blunt force · naivety · artlessness