Synonyms of assail

assail

verb

ə-ˈsāl 

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

• attack
• scold
• slam
• criticize
• lambast
• insult
• savage
• excoriate
• abuse
• lambaste
• castigate
• harass
• blast
• jump (on)
• scathe
• vituperate
• tie into
• bash
• berate
• belabor
• curse
• sail into
• revile
• potshot
• beat up on
• disparage
• blaspheme
• harangue
• belittle
• trash
• vilify
• affront
• chide
• execrate
• reprimand
• chastise
• asperse
• light into
• slander
• harry
• libel
• imprecate
• whip
• traduce
• blackguard
• profane
• slur
• rebuke
• bad-mouth
• fulminate
• lace (into)
• lash (out)
• put down

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• commend
• praise
• hail
• compliment
• laud
• acclaim

2

as in to assault

to take sudden, violent action against

the small birds assailed the larger one that had threatened their nest

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb assail contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of assail are assault, attack, bombard, and storm. While all these words mean "to make an onslaught upon," assail implies attempting to break down resistance by repeated blows or shots.

assailed the enemy with artillery fire

When is it sensible to use assault instead of assail?

The words assault and assail are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, assault suggests a direct attempt to overpower by suddenness and violence of onslaught.

commandos assaulted the building from all sides

When can attack be used instead of assail?

In some situations, the words attack and assail are roughly equivalent. However, attack implies taking the initiative in a struggle.

plan to attack the town at dawn

When is bombard a more appropriate choice than assail?

The words bombard and assail can be used in similar contexts, but bombard applies to attacking with bombs or shells.

bombarded the city nightly

When could storm be used to replace assail?

The synonyms storm and assail are sometimes interchangeable, but storm implies attempting to break into a defended position.

preparing to storm the fortress

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of assail

The first seven months of his second term went by without much focus on the issue until earlier this month, when a Department of Government Efficiency staffer was assailed by several juveniles. —Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 13 Aug. 2025

Our eyes are increasingly assailed by ultra-bright billboard ads, dazzling street lights, and glowing personal screens. —Matt Fuchs, Time, 4 Aug. 2025

Populists in Europe and the United States assail the WTO for undercutting their manufacturing sectors. —Stacie E. Goddard, Foreign Affairs, 28 July 2025

Pesticide producers assailed Carson’s credentials, her childlessness, and, more broadly, her gender. —Bill McKibben, New Yorker, 27 July 2025

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