onslaught

noun

on·​slaught ˈän-ˌslȯt 

ˈȯn-

: 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.

Synonyms of onslaught

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

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

Though sympathetic to the onslaught of treatments Zai is facing, the meek, protective Minoti warns her of the repercussions of rebellion. — Miriam Balanescu, IndieWire, 6 Sep. 2026

Cypher and Watts have led the Trojans in an onslaught of Catholic in Louisiana. — Jack Leo, AJC.com, 4 Sep. 2026

Following Monday’s onslaught, the Cubs now lead the league in slugging, on-base percentage and OPS and are fourth in team batting average. — Johnny Flores Jr, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026

The gauge data are considered preliminary as the geological survey and weather service work to verify the totals and examine any potential equipment failures during the sudden onslaught of the water. — Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026

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

Rhymes for onslaught

• allot
• barat
• begot
• besought
• bethought
• bloodshot
• boycott
• buckshot
• crackpot
• croat
• culottes
• dashpot

Kids Definition

onslaught

noun

on·​slaught ˈän-ˌslȯt 

ˈȯn-

: a violent attack