1
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
2
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
1
2
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of assault
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
Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 29 May 2025
In the suit, Jane Doe 1 claims she was assaulted by Robinson at least seven times, while Jane Doe 2 claims she was assaulted by Robinson a minimum of 23 times.
—Rachel Desantis, People.com, 28 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for 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
Kansas man is facing federal charges after allegedly assaulting a flight attendant on a flight from Bradley International Airport on Tuesday night.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 29 May 2025
In the suit, Jane Doe 1 claims she was assaulted by Robinson at least seven times, while Jane Doe 2 claims she was assaulted by Robinson a minimum of 23 times.
—Rachel Desantis, People.com, 28 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for assault
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assault
Noun
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Meanwhile, Tristan is facing 11 charges including rape, actual bodily harm, and human trafficking, which are connected to allegations from a sole victim.—
Mya Abraham,
VIBE.com,
29 May 2025
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The Crown Prosecution Service said Andrew, 38, is charged with rape, human trafficking, actual bodily harm and controlling prostitution for gain related to allegations from three women, according to BBC, The Telegraph, and ABC News.—
Nicole Acosta,
People.com,
28 May 2025
Noun
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Try supplements: Certain supplements, such as Riboflavin and CoQ10, can help reduce the frequency and severity of attacks.—
Verywell Health,
Verywell Health,
6 June 2025
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The administration also pointed to a recent terrorist attack in Boulder, Colorado, carried out by an immigrant from Egypt who threw gasoline bombs into a gathering of pro-Israel demonstrators, as a catalyst for the policy (however, Egypt isn’t one of the countries on the restricted list).—
Bailey Berg,
AFAR Media,
5 June 2025
Verb
-
If an interaction that violates our Community Guidelines occurs, report it to us.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
5 June 2025
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In its petition, the questions presented by CCB were: Does a state violate the First Amendment’s Religion Clauses by denying a religious organization an otherwise-available tax exemption because the organization does not meet the state’s criteria for religious behavior?—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
5 June 2025
Verb
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Though the police had raided Stonewall Inn and countless others before, the events of June 28, 1969, known as the Stonewall Riots, spearheaded a six-day uprising for LGBTQ+ rights.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
2 June 2025
-
Wolves might be about to get raided for a second time.—
Phil Hay
June 2,
New York Times,
2 June 2025
Noun
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Those participating in races can receive up to a $250 fine and/or up to 30 days in jail on the first violation, up to a $500 fine and/or up to 60 days in jail for the second violation, and up to a $1,000 fine and/or and up to six months in jail for a third.—
Alecia Taylor,
Kansas City Star,
7 June 2025
-
Consequences: Recognize and reward positive behaviors and address violations through appropriate accountability measures.—
Stephen M. Paskoff,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
Noun
-
Warm ocean water in these areas can cause storms to rapidly intensify right before landfall, giving communities less time to prepare for the onslaught.—
Andrea Thompson,
Scientific American,
30 May 2025
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The chaos the president’s tariff onslaught caused in the U.S. Treasury market quickly spread to Japan, boosting yields.—
William Pesek,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
Verb
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The prospect of a New York team with an identity forged from refusing to yield under pressure forcing an anxiety-inducing Game 7 at Madison Square Garden looms large.—
Bobby Krivitsky,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
-
My biggest soccer loves will forever be Club América and Liga MX, but Vela forced me to make some room in my heart for the black and gold.—
Fidel Martinez,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2025
Verb
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The Denver Nuggets trailed by 11 with about four minutes left to start the Western Conference semis but stormed back at Paycom Center for a narrow win — the Thunder won that series in seven games.—
Joe Vardon,
New York Times,
6 June 2025
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Of course, there are his pardons for more than 1,500 people convicted of storming the U.S. Capitol in an effort to stop the transfer of power after Trump lost his reelection bid.—
Tom Zirpoli,
Baltimore Sun,
3 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Assault.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assault. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.
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