ONSLAUGHT Synonyms: 55 Similar and Opposite Words

onslaught

noun

ˈän-ˌslȯt

Definition of onslaught

as in attack

the act or action of setting upon with force or violence the massive onslaught of enemy troops caught the country by surprise

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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 onslaught After surviving the initial onslaught, the consumer might choose a higher level. — Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 5 Aug. 2026 Ukraine has been largely helpless in similar Russian onslaughts in recent weeks. — Tom Bowman, NPR, 4 Aug. 2026 Phil Collins has survived an onslaught of health issues, and lived to share the painful memories of his lowest points. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Aug. 2026 The onslaught continued as Iyo Sky hit double knees to Liv Morgan in the corner. — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for onslaught

Recent Examples of Synonyms for onslaught

Noun

Kyiv has stepped up its attacks on Russia this year, with long-range missiles and swarms of drones targeting military industries and energy facilities.

— ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
Weeks of Iranian drone and missile attacks on the UAE earlier this year, the vast majority of which were intercepted, sparked tensions among locals and hammered the country's tourism and aviation industry.

— Jenni Reid,Emma Graham, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of attack

Noun

The judge dismissed a misdemeanor charge of simple assault against Kissinger, saying that there had been no bodily injury.

— Robert D. Mcfadden, Chicago Tribune, 21 Aug. 2026
In Hangzhou, the latest assault claims have seen multiple companies initiate internal accountability measures, according to political news outlet Guancha, while the official investigation is ongoing.

— Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of assault

Noun

Analysts say the Houthis appear to be mobilizing for an offensive that would aim to take more of the Red Sea coastline.

— Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
The former Missouri offensive lineman has spent time at both tackle spots during training camp and started at right tackle on Saturday.

— Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of offensive

Noun

De Lutiis scored himself in the 58th, backing up in support at the perfect time after an Australian attacking raid that started with flyhalf Carter Gordon breaking the defensive line and running 30 meters toward the right corner flag.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
State lawmakers are considering a bill that would require large retailers to preserve documentation of immigration enforcement activity on their premises, following ICE raids at Home Depot parking lots in Southern California last summer.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of raid

Noun

Bragg's office contends that the state charges, including murder and firearms offenses, involve different legal elements and criminal conduct than federal charges, which alleged Mangione traveled across state lines to stalk and kill Thompson.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
Their offense has one of the NFL’s best defenses to sharpen itself against in practice.

— Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of offense

Noun

The United States must therefore carefully balance the need to de-risk against the need to deter aggression.

— GLORIA XIONG, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026
Game fowl are bred for aggression by definition, said Jenny Berg, California state director of the Humane World for Animals, which worked with Rogers on the bill.

— Naomi Taxay, Sacbee.com, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of aggression

Noun

The strikes hit 12 locations across Kyiv’s Darnytskyi, Sviatoshynskyi and Solomianskyi districts, damaging residential buildings, a medical facility and an educational institution.

— ABC News, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026
After tit-for-tat strikes in early July following the arrival of an Iranian plane in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, the Houthis attacked Saudi vessels and attempted to blockade Saudi Arabia's Red Sea ports.

— August 20, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of strike

Browse Nearby Words

onsets

onslaught

onslaughts

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“Onslaught.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/onslaught. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of onslaught

noun

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