Synonyms of assault

assault 1 of 2

noun

ə-ˈsȯlt 

1

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

• attack
• raid
• offensive
• onslaught
• offense
• aggression
• strike
• attempt
• bombardment
• blitzkrieg
• onset
• rush
• invasion
• blitz
• counterattack
• incursion
• charge
• barrage
• bombing
• ambush
• descent
• coup de main
• siege
• counteroffensive
• ambuscade
• breakthrough
• foray
• envelopment
• sortie
• pillage
• volley
• air raid
• sack
• counterassault
• counterstrike
• fusillade
• sally
• cannonade
• counteraggression
• storm
• salvo
• hail
• flanking
• ravage
• whammy

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• defense
• resistance
• opposition
• guard
• protection
• shield
• security
• defensive
• shelter

2

as in violation

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

• violation
• rape
• sexual assault
• ravishment

assault

2 of 2

verb

1

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

• attack
• raid
• storm
• strike
• ambush
• charge
• rob
• set at
• turn (on)
• set on
• descend (on or upon)
• assail
• invade
• set upon
• swarm
• rush
• beset
• fly at
• jump (on)
• pounce (on or upon)
• go in (on)
• tear into
• sic
• bushwhack
• round on
• pitch into
• trash
• mob
• beat up on
• go at
• surprise
• barrage
• sack
• light into
• flank
• bomb
• besiege
• blitz
• plunder
• waylay
• gang up (on)
• ravage
• nuke
• bombard
• cannon
• bum-rush
• loot
• pillage
• batter
• ambuscade
• buffet
• foray
• cannonade
• mug
• overrun
• plaster
• harry
• bang away (at)
• envelop
• press
• beleaguer

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• protect
• defend
• secure
• cover
• guard
• shield

2

as in to violate

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

• violate
• rape
• force
• ravish

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

Recent Examples of assault

Noun

Among the charges facing the suspects are first-degree assault, second-degree assault, handgun violations and home invasion, the Sheriff's Office said. — CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026

The assault triggered Israel’s war in the Gaza Strip, the killing of more than 74,000 Palestinians, famine and widespread devastation. — Charlene Gubash, NBC news, 7 Oct. 2026

Verb

From 2020 through October 2025, passengers on Charlotte buses were seriously assaulted at least 31 times. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 7 Oct. 2026

And Monday, OutKick's Jackson Thompson reported that a Washington family requested a SCOTUS injunction after their daughter was allegedly assaulted by a trans athlete last year. — Matt Calkins Outkick, FOXNews.com, 6 Oct. 2026

Phrases Containing assault

• sexual assault