ONSET Synonyms: 123 Similar and Opposite Words

onset

noun

ˈȯn-ˌset

Definition of onset next

as in attack

the act or action of setting upon with force or violence the walls withstood the onset of the first battalion

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in beginning

the point at which something begins the claim that if you take enough vitamin C at the onset of a cold, you'll often recover faster

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 onset In the luteal phase, rising body temperature can delay sleep onset because the body needs a core temperature drop to fall asleep effectively. —

Allison Palmer updated June 13, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 June 2026 The early-onset group included any kids who started using social media at age 9, and the mid-onset group included those who began using their phones around 11. —

Avni Trivedi, CNN Money, 12 June 2026 While Wall Street executives have beat a trail to the UAE capital since the onset of the war, Silicon Valley leaders — who have been a major beneficiary of Gulf sovereign wealth funds’ largesse — have been less demonstrative. —

Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 12 June 2026 Officials said anyone who inhaled smoke and is experiencing a sudden onset of respiratory problems, headaches, dizziness, nausea, or throat irritation should report to the emergency room for treatment. —

Brandon Downs, CBS News, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for onset

Recent Examples of Synonyms for onset

Noun

The Kerch road and rail crossing, opened by Putin in 2018, has been the target of previous Ukrainian attacks.

— Gianluca Mezzofiore, CNN Money, 20 June 2026
Two other individuals survived that attack, the military said.

— Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2026