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 The onslaught started with a 57-yard touchdown pass on the first offensive snap of the game. — Jack Leo, AJC.com, 5 Oct. 2026 The Edmonton onslaught was punctuated by a pair of short-handed goals the Oilers scored in quick succession in the second period. — Thomas Drance, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2026 The onslaught aims to terrorize civilians, officials and analysts say, and break their will to resist 4½ years after Russia’s full-scale invasion. — Susie Blann, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026 The militant group took over roughly one-third of Iraq after key Iraqi army divisions collapsed and retreated in the onslaught. — Jane Arraf, NPR, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for onslaught

Recent Examples of Synonyms for onslaught

Noun

In Congo, where the outbreak has spread to seven provinces, responders have faced attacks on health teams, misinformation about the virus, a failure by locals to report symptoms and rebel violence that has limited access to treatment centers.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2026
An inmate died in an apparent homicide Tuesday morning after an attack by another prisoner at California State Prison, Sacramento, state corrections officials said.

— Michael McGough, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of attack

Noun

The University of Arizona has suspended activities at its fraternities following persistent reports of misconduct, including assault, hazing and drug and alcohol-related behavior, a university official said.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Oct. 2026
Fleming was received from Los Angeles County in 2019 to serve a 42-year sentence for second-degree robbery and assault with a semiautomatic firearm.

— Michael McGough, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of assault

Noun

However, further Houthi offensives have met stiffer resistance from the recuperated forces of the Presidential Leadership Council, depriving the group of another quick victory.

— Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 4 Oct. 2026
Observers say Saudi Arabia is gearing up for a ground offensive aimed at preventing the Houthis from consolidating their gains on the Red Sea coast and reversing the tide.

— Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of offensive

Noun

Coleman recalled a recent New York Times article that highlighted how immigration raids this summer — which surpassed 50,000 arrests in July and August — received little public backlash compared to last year’s wave.

— Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
In the United States, meanwhile, cities have come under siege by federal authorities carrying out sweeping anti-migrant raids.

— Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of raid

Noun

The young defense, which dominated the NFC’s worst offense statistically in Minnesota, will continue to get tested.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026
In addition to an explosive offense that was top 10 in both home runs and slugging percentage during the regular season, the White Sox have employed a unique pitching strategy, relying heavily on their relievers to throw multiple innings.

— Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of offense

Noun

Saturday's vote came as the small republic on NATO’s eastern flank contends with growing concern about potential Russian aggression.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 Oct. 2026
For all their talent, the defining feature of London City Lionesses is their aggression without possession.

— Michael Cox, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of aggression

Noun

Ukrainian Defense Minister Yevhenii Khmara said analysts from Ukraine's intelligence services, the General Staff and the Defense Ministry had assessed the strikes' effects.

— HANNA ARHIROVA, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026
After months of negotiations failed to yield a satisfactory agreement, the union approved strike action earlier this month in a vote held in tandem with unions at the Brooklyn Museum and American Folk Art Museum.

— Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of strike

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onsets

onslaught

onslaughts

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“Onslaught.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/onslaught. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of onslaught

noun

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