onslaught

noun

on·​slaught ˈän-ˌslȯt How to pronounce onslaught (audio)
ˈȯn-
Synonyms of onslaughtnext
: an especially fierce attack
… the tremendous onslaught across the Rhine …Winston Churchill
also : something resembling such an attack
an onslaught of technological changes
Employers are expecting an onslaught of recent college graduates.

Examples of onslaught in a Sentence

an onslaught by the enemy the massive onslaught of enemy troops caught the country by surprise
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Horn was ruled out with a concussion in the middle of Stafford’s onslaught of successful passes. Mike Kaye updated January 11, Charlotte Observer, 11 Jan. 2026 In total, the trail took me around five hours to descend and about seven hours to climb up, with one overnight at Phantom Ranch on the Grand Canyon floor to break up the lactic acid onslaught. Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 11 Jan. 2026 Kyiv — Russia attacked Ukraine with a hypersonic Oreshnik missile overnight Thursday, a rare use of one of its most advanced weapons during the latest onslaught targeting the country amid freezing temperatures. Kosta Gak, CNN Money, 9 Jan. 2026 This onslaught finally paid off with just over three minutes remaining in the opening frame after Colten Abcunas deflected a Rockets breakout pass and Ben Pachus found the loose puck and beat Brownridge below the glove to give Newton North a 1-0 lead. Jack Murray, Boston Herald, 8 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for onslaught

Word History

Etymology

modification of Dutch aanslag act of striking; akin to Old English an on and to Old English slēan to strike — more at slay

First Known Use

circa 1625, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of onslaught was circa 1625

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Onslaught.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/onslaught. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

onslaught

noun
on·​slaught ˈän-ˌslȯt How to pronounce onslaught (audio)
ˈȯn-
: a violent attack

More from Merriam-Webster on onslaught

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