assaultive

as·sault·ive | \ ə-ˈsȯl-tiv

How to pronounce assaultive (audio)

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Definition of assaultive

1 : of, relating to, or tending toward assault assaultive behavior

2 : having an intense or abrasive effect on the senses or emotions loud and assaultive music

Other Words from assaultive Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about assaultive

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Examples of assaultive in a Sentence

with viciously assaultive prose the writer takes on her critics

Recent Examples on the Web As the action, camerawork, and editing in many Hollywood films have become more assaultive on the senses, the soundtracks have followed suit. — Janet Malcolm, The New Yorker, "The Mail," 17 Sep. 2019 But gentleness emerged at every juncture, as if inviting the audience to consider the concert hall a sanctuary, a place of refuge within an often assaultive outside world. — Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, "Classical review: Minnesota Orchestra captivates with intimacy and beauty in season opener," 19 Sep. 2019 Over the last two years, Ev Bravado has become well known for his assaultive approach to denim — distressing it, embellishing it, embroidering it, giving it layers of depth. — Jon Caramanica, New York Times, "After Kanye, After Virgil, After Heron," 11 Sep. 2019 Someone with an assaultive crime can have up to two felonies and four misdemeanors set aside. — Angie Jackson, Detroit Free Press, "Michigan bills would make more ex-offenders eligible to have criminal records expunged," 9 Sep. 2019 Craig previously said that Davis had a history of violence, describing it as assaultive-type behavior, dating to when Davis was 15. — Christina Hall, Detroit Free Press, "Prosecutor: Suspect in fatal beating after car crash went through victim’s pockets," 31 July 2019 His sexist wisecracks, wise-guy sneers, and salesman’s banter are as colorful as his assaultive obscenities. — Troy Patterson, The New Yorker, "“The Loudest Voice” Eviscerates Roger Ailes and Fox News," 30 June 2019 The execution of this dastardly plot, as the movie presents it in CGI-heavy hyperreality, is harrowing and assaultive. — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, "Review: Disney's New The Lion King Is Beautiful But Soulless," 11 July 2019 As a figure of immense, almost assaultive generosity, who could unleash, in us, bombastic yet utterly sincere gratitude. — Wesley Morris, New York Times, "Oprah Earned This Museum Show. And It’s a Potent Spectacle.," 21 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'assaultive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

11 Dec 2019

Cite this Entry

“Assaultive.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/assaultive. Accessed 17 January 2020.

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