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.
Cornett was soon lost in an onslaught of harassment. Lyz Lenz, Rolling Stone, 28 May 2026 But the offensive onslaught was equally reflective of a third consecutive sloppy defensive performance from the Sky. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2026 Add to this the onslaught of artificial intelligence (AI) in recent years and the impact that tools such as large language models (LLMs) have had on the field of marketing, and you’re faced with a veritable juggling act—one that’s possibly never moved so fast in the whole history of the discipline. Emma Westley, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026 Included in the onslaught was a three-run homer by Betts and a two-run homer by Will Smith in Los Angeles’ five-run sixth. Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 27 May 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

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Cite this Entry

“Onslaught.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/onslaught. Accessed 2 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

onslaught

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

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