A pre-emptive strike is a military tactic in which an attack is launched on an opponent before they can attack first. If you're tired of using the same term, the following synonyms may help you to provide some variety. The first synonym is "preventive strike," which is often used interchangeably with "pre-emptive strike." Another possible synonym is "anticipatory attack," which emphasizes the need to anticipate the enemy's intentions. A "proactive assault" is another synonym that highlights the action-oriented and strategic nature of this military tactic. Finally, "precautionary attack" is a synonym that emphasizes the defensive nature of a pre-emptive strike action.