1
as in to attack
to criticize harshly and usually publicly
the union organizers assailed the chemical company for failing to provide a safe working environment
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to assault
to take sudden, violent action against
the small birds assailed the larger one that had threatened their nest
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of assail
Rabb was propelled by a constellation of progressive groups, charting a path to victory partly by assailing his own party as listening more to donors than voters.
—
CBS News,
24 May 2026
In 2018, that monopoly was assailed by signs and portents.
—
Literary Hub,
18 May 2026
And so rivals again assailed Becerra’s performance as state attorney general and Health and Human Services secretary in the Biden administration.
—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
15 May 2026
In 2023, senators assailed Ticketmaster, which is owned by Live Nation Entertainment, for its lack of transparency and inability to block bots from purchasing tickets on behalf of scalpers.
—
Noe Padilla,
USA Today,
13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for assail
CBS News,
24 May 2026
In 2018, that monopoly was assailed by signs and portents.
—
Literary Hub,
18 May 2026
And so rivals again assailed Becerra’s performance as state attorney general and Health and Human Services secretary in the Biden administration.
—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
15 May 2026
In 2023, senators assailed Ticketmaster, which is owned by Live Nation Entertainment, for its lack of transparency and inability to block bots from purchasing tickets on behalf of scalpers.
—
Noe Padilla,
USA Today,
13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for assail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assail
Verb
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His pace routinely bothered Sweden, including on one impressive solo run in the first half that produced a quality attacking scenario.
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The video then shows the woman throwing Martinez to the ground, grabbing her by the hair and repeatedly attacking her as bystanders try to step in and help.
Verb
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The unrest began in mid-March but has intensified, leaving at least three dead as vigilantes armed with spears, clubs, and whips assaulted migrants and destroyed their homes.
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Witnesses told police that the victim had called and reported that O’Neal had assaulted her, the witnesses told police.
Verb
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Hakimi fired off the corner, followed by a header by Chadi Riad that was picked up by Rahimi, who slammed it into the upper right of the net.
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Goldman was slammed for refusing to decline support during this race from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, or AIPAC, which has become a significant split in various Democratic primaries this year.
Verb
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Kerr’s home in Florida was raided by the FBI on the same day.
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And try not to raid your retirement savings for a household expense.
Verb
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This ancient poem isn’t interested in scolding women for their sexuality, but in the establishment of honor in the elite household.
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Davis remembered once being scolded as a teenager by her mother after being caught speaking poorly of a classmate.
Verb
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This site strikes a rare balance between serenity and world-class action.
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The devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela yesterday were most likely caused by a rupture in one of the country’s most active seismic zones — comprising the Boconó and San Sebastián faults, which extend along Venezuela’s northern coast — according to the USGS.
Verb
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Michael Ovitz, the co-founder of CAA, stormed out of a deposition on June 1 after being asked about his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein.
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Two years ago, Delva was forced to flee his neighborhood of Solino after gangs stormed in and razed much of it to the ground.
Verb
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Phillies starter Zack Wheeler dominated — with help from center fielder Derek Hill, whose jaw-dropping catch robbed Juan Soto of a home run — to spoil interim manager Andy Green’s in-dugout Mets debut.
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Derek Hill robbed Juan Soto of a two-run homer with a spectacular catch that helped Zack Wheeler and the Philadelphia Phillies beat the reeling New York Mets 2-1 on Friday night.
Cite this Entry
“Assail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assail. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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