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

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 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

Police have responded to numerous violent incidents stemming from prostitution shakedowns, and a man suspected of assaulting a gambling den patron in 2022 has also been investigated for allegedly going around gambling dens demanding protection money, authorities said. —

Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 2 Feb. 2025 Andrew Taake, who was also pardoned after pleading guilty to assaulting a police officer with a deadly weapon, is currently on the run from Texas police. —

Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for assault

Recent Examples of Synonyms for assault

Noun

In 2018, he was accused of rape by a woman who worked as his children's former nanny in 2018.

— EW.com, EW.com, 7 Feb. 2025
On December 26, Torres refused Jay-Z's application to dismiss the rape lawsuit.

— Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025