onset

noun

on·​set ˈȯn-ˌset 

ˈän-

1

: attack, assault

withstand the onset of the army

2

: beginning, commencement

the onset of winter

the onset of age-related diseases

Synonyms of onset

• attack
• assault
• onslaught
• raid
• offensive
• aggression
• offense
• strike

Examples of onset in a Sentence

the walls withstood the onset of the first battalion

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

Recent Examples on the Web

The Jayhawks outscored Mizzou 23-3 between the end of the first half and the onset of the second half. —Sam McDowell December 7, Kansas City Star, 8 Dec. 2025

For example, Lutnick claimed that technician jobs are promising gigs with a low barrier to entry, that can pay anywhere between $70,000 to $90,000 at the onset—no college degree required. —Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 8 Dec. 2025

The onset of another eruption is expected in the next two to three weeks, according to the USGS. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 8 Dec. 2025

Rooting cuttings in water involves less care at the onset, but then requires transplanting cuttings to soil. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1522, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing onset

• adult-onset diabetes
• juvenile-onset diabetes

Rhymes for onset

• abet
• asset
• baguette
• banquette
• barbette
• beget
• beset
• brevet
• briquette
• brunet
• brunette
• burette

Kids Definition

onset

noun

on·​set ˈȯn-ˌset 

ˈän-

1

: attack entry 2 sense 1

2

: beginning sense 1

Medical Definition

onset

noun

on·​set ˈȯn-ˌset, ˈän- 

: the initial existence or symptoms of a disease

the onset of scarlet fever