1
as in attack
a setup in which hidden attackers lie in wait
revolutionaries laid in ambush for the king along the route his carriage would travel
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in trap
a device or scheme for capturing another by surprise
thinking that he was getting into his assigned limousine, the diplomat did not realize that he was the victim of an ambush as he was being lured into his captor's car
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in to attack
to lie in wait for and attack by surprise
the king's enemies planned to ambush the royal coach on the way to Paris and capture the king
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ambush
Jade Tran, Baltimore Sun, 24 May 2025
Three police officers shot in what appears to be a surprise ambush at the scene of a grisly murder.
—Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 6 June 2025
In his latest Oval Office event this week, Trump ambushed South African President Cyril Ramaphosa — who once served as Nelson Mandela’s chief negotiator during talks to end White minority rule — with false claims about White South African farmers being victims of genocide.
—Jade Walker, CNN Money, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for ambush
Noun
The ambush stunned much of the political world and foreign policy experts said the incident reflected Trump’s continuing refusal to hold Putin to account for his invasion of Ukraine.
—Jade Tran, Baltimore Sun, 24 May 2025
Three police officers shot in what appears to be a surprise ambush at the scene of a grisly murder.
—Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
Verb
As the pair neared St. Paul’s Cathedral, four men ambushed the priest.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 6 June 2025
In his latest Oval Office event this week, Trump ambushed South African President Cyril Ramaphosa — who once served as Nelson Mandela’s chief negotiator during talks to end White minority rule — with false claims about White South African farmers being victims of genocide.
—Jade Walker, CNN Money, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for ambush
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ambush
Noun
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Kernodle received a delivery less than 10 minutes before the attack, which happened just after 4 a.m. on Nov. 13, 2022.—
Michael Ruiz,
FOXNews.com,
17 June 2025
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This is essential to stop further erosion of the rule of law, the attack on democracy, and the threat of authoritarianism.—
Mark A. Cohen,
Forbes.com,
17 June 2025
Noun
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Researchers reviewing camera trap footage from a remote island off Panama found that a group of adolescent capuchin monkeys were routinely kidnapping baby howler monkeys and carrying them around like accessories.—
Popular Science Team,
Popular Science,
18 June 2025
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One of the key challenges for companies is avoiding the trap of performative activism—actions that appear supportive but lack meaningful impact.—
Doug Melville,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2025
Verb
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Rihanna's has been candid about her relationship with her father over the years, and spoke out against her father after she was assaulted by her then-boyfriend Chris Brown in 2009 and Fenty reportedly spoke to the press about the incident without his daughter's consent.—
Charlotte Phillipp,
People.com,
26 June 2025
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According to Dominguez, Smith physically assaulted Turner and pulled out some of her hair.—
Minyvonne Burke,
NBC news,
26 June 2025
Noun
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Beyond that, apex scavengers are sometimes killed accidentally—hyenas and lions can get caught in wire snares meant for herbivores in Africa.—
Sarah Kuta,
Smithsonian Magazine,
18 June 2025
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Immediately, the divine collides with the inane, and Goddess runs into a fundamental dramatic snare.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
21 May 2025
Verb
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But unlike in the past, Byrne’s new movie never waylays you with a surprise narrative wrinkle or unexpected thematic depth.—
Tim Grierson,
Los Angeles Times,
6 June 2025
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Illinois reeled off four straight wins going into the conference quarterfinals, before being waylaid by Maryland.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Mar. 2025
Verb
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When visiting with another patient, Swift also got to surprise the patient’s twin sister over FaceTime.—
Rebecca Angel Baer,
Southern Living,
16 June 2025
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While finding engaging types of kids' activities can be a struggle, one tech company never fails to surprise and amuse young creators.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
15 June 2025
Verb
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All of this suggests that sponsors have the potential to capture the most commercially valuable audience in sport.—
Asif Burhan,
Forbes.com,
17 June 2025
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The Portuguese invaded the new settlement, capturing and killing the men, women, and children who had been promised peace and protection.—
Time,
Time,
17 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ambush.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ambush. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
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