assailant

noun

ə-ˈsā-lənt How to pronounce assailant (audio)
Definition of assailantnext
as in attacker
one who violently sets upon another the darkness prevented me from getting a good look at my assailant

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of assailant Viewers waited eight months, to the day, to find out that sister-in-law Kristin Shepard was the real assailant who framed Sue Ellen for the shooting. — Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 16 Aug. 2026 Police released the ages and genders of the victims on Saturday but did not specify whether they were related to one another or the assailant. — Jacqueline Ganun, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026 Many critics are concerned about warrantless searches, and beyond the reports of law enforcement stalking, there’s risk that third-party assailants could hack into live camera feeds and stored data. — Andrew Zucker, Vanity Fair, 14 Aug. 2026 Even Mexico’s president weighed in, promising to find the assailants. — Kevin Sieff, The Atlantic, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for assailant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assailant
  1. attacker
  2. assaulter
Noun
  • The rumor mill has linked Sporting KC to several attackers in the MLS and abroad.
    — PJ Green August 28, Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Instead of backing her, the courts convict her for killing her attacker in self-defense.
    — Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of attacker
Noun
  • Any assaulter of mine spending less time on the field is A-OK, though.
    — Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 3 June 2026
  • His alleged assaulter was arrested and jailed Wednesday.
    — Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
Definition of assaulter

Browse Nearby Words

assailable
assailant
assailants
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Assailant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assailant. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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