sexual assault

Definition of sexual assaultnext
as in violation
the act of forcing a person to engage in sexual activity and especially intercourse convicted of sexual assault of a minor

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sexual assault
Noun
  • The agency had found six violations of state code by the company after detainees complained about a lack of protective equipment and proper training while cleaning the facility for $1 per day.
    Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
  • The German predator network managed to thrive despite clear violations of Telegram’s terms of service, again raising questions about how the platform has been used for criminal activity.
    ABC News, ABC News, 8 July 2026
Noun
  • Indeed, the administration’s assault on Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act intensifies the damage.
    Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • Williams had an extraditable warrant out of Suffolk County, New York, on multiple charges including burglary, strangulation and assault.
    Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • The alleged rape was reported by The Athletic in May, though the identity of the player was not revealed at the time.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026
  • Mendes under investigation New Zealand police are investigating allegations of rape against Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes, who has started all three of the team’s matches in the World Cup thus far.
    Chris Branch, New York Times, 1 July 2026
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.

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sexual assault.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sexual%20assault. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster