ASSAULT Synonyms: 126 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'assault' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of assault are assail , attack , bombard , and storm . While all these words mean "to make an onslaught upon," assault suggests a direct attempt to overpower by suddenness and violence of onslaught. // commandos assaulted the building from all sides

Q: When could 'assail' be used to replace 'assault'?

While the synonyms assail and assault are close in meaning, assail implies attempting to break down resistance by repeated blows or shots. // assailed the enemy with artillery fire

Q: When is it sensible to use 'attack' instead of 'assault'?

Although the words attack and assault have much in common, attack implies taking the initiative in a struggle. // plan to attack the town at dawn

Q: When would 'bombard' be a good substitute for 'assault'?

The words bombard and assault are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bombard applies to attacking with bombs or shells. // bombarded the city nightly

Q: When is 'storm' a more appropriate choice than 'assault'?

The words storm and assault can be used in similar contexts, but storm implies attempting to break into a defended position. // preparing to storm the fortress

assault 1 of 2

noun

ə-ˈsȯlt

Definition of assault next

as in rape

the act of forcing a person to engage in sexual activity and especially intercourse attended a class teaching women self-defense against assault

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in attack

the act or action of setting upon with force or violence was arrested for his assault of the bystander

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

assault

2 of 2

verb

as in to rape

to engage in sexual activity and especially intercourse with a person unwilling or unable to give consent was registered as a sex offender after assaulting the victim

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to attack

to take sudden, violent action against was found guilty of assaulting an officer enemy forces assaulted the city

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb assault contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of assault are assail, attack, bombard, and storm. While all these words mean "to make an onslaught upon," assault suggests a direct attempt to overpower by suddenness and violence of onslaught.

commandos assaulted the building from all sides

When could assail be used to replace assault?

While the synonyms assail and assault are close in meaning, assail implies attempting to break down resistance by repeated blows or shots.

assailed the enemy with artillery fire

When is it sensible to use attack instead of assault?

Although the words attack and assault have much in common, attack implies taking the initiative in a struggle.

plan to attack the town at dawn

When would bombard be a good substitute for assault?

The words bombard and assault are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bombard applies to attacking with bombs or shells.

bombarded the city nightly

When is storm a more appropriate choice than assault?

The words storm and assault can be used in similar contexts, but storm implies attempting to break into a defended position.

preparing to storm the fortress

Examples 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 assault

Noun

That is why the Fed is taking a cautious stance and trying to avoid pulling back prematurely from its assault on inflation. —

Jeanna Smialek, BostonGlobe.com, 30 Jan. 2023 Within days of his assault on White, Seneca allegedly attempted to kidnap a different man and allegedly kidnapped another, the Justice Department said in a previous statement. —

Matt Lavietes, NBC News, 26 Jan. 2023

Verb

Andre Zachery sued Penny in December, alleging that Penny negligently assaulted, battered and seriously injured Neely, causing his death. —

Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 7 Jan. 2025 Their offenses range from misdemeanor counts of demonstrating or picketing to felonies that include assaulting officers and civil disorder. —

Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 7 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for assault

Recent Examples of Synonyms for assault

Noun

Following an interview with detectives, Williams was booked into jail on multiple first-degree charges, including three counts of rape, kidnapping, coercing and burglary, according to police.

Daniella Segura, Sacramento Bee, 6 Jan. 2025
Before embarking on a political career, Starmer served as the U.K.’s director of public prosecutions, running the Crown Prosecution Service during the country’s child rape gangs scandal.

Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 6 Jan. 2025