assail

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb assail contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of assail are assault, attack, bombard, and storm. While all these words mean "to make an onslaught upon," assail implies attempting to break down resistance by repeated blows or shots.

assailed the enemy with artillery fire

When is it sensible to use assault instead of assail?

The words assault and assail are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, assault suggests a direct attempt to overpower by suddenness and violence of onslaught.

commandos assaulted the building from all sides

When can attack be used instead of assail?

In some situations, the words attack and assail are roughly equivalent. However, attack implies taking the initiative in a struggle.

plan to attack the town at dawn

When is bombard a more appropriate choice than assail?

The words bombard and assail can be used in similar contexts, but bombard applies to attacking with bombs or shells.

bombarded the city nightly

When could storm be used to replace assail?

The synonyms storm and assail are sometimes interchangeable, but storm implies attempting to break into a defended position.

preparing to storm the fortress

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of assail Orlando Sentinel Bondi’s conduct was assailed last week in a 23-page ethics complaint filed with the Bar by more than 70 prominent lawyers and professors, including two former Florida Supreme Court justices and a former president of the American Bar Association. The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 2025 At a minimum, the explosion of animosity between the two powerful men could complicate the path forward for Republicans’ massive tax and border spending legislation that has been promoted by Trump but assailed by Musk. Chris Megerian, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2025 Critics and colleagues assailed the anchor for his persistent questioning of Coates, whose latest book criticized Israel’s treatment of the Palestinians. Tom Tapp, Deadline, 5 June 2025 The men denied it and assailed Giuffre’s credibility. Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for assail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assail
Verb
  • The main target of the attack was Kyiv and the surrounding region, with Chernihiv, Sumy, Poltava, Kirovohrad and Kharkiv regions also attacked, the president said.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 10 July 2025
  • Making homes more energy efficient is also a way to reduce carbon emissions, and thus attack the cause of more frequent and severe heat waves.
    Marianne Krasny, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • At times, the boy was restrained and choked and assaulted in his dorm room bed.
    Richard Winton Follow, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2025
  • Jurors watched footage of Combs viciously assaulting Ventura and saw photos of her injuries from various beatings inflicted during their relationship.
    Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • Officials want Indianapolis parents to take responsibility for their children Speaking at a news conference over the weekend, Bailey scolded parents for allowing their children out at night unsupervised.
    Matthew Cupelli, IndyStar, 7 July 2025
  • Trump has publicly scolded Massie for his opposition.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Bread and milk were in short supply after worried customers raided shelves at grocery stores and bakeries.
    Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 7 July 2025
  • The deal ends a case that first drew public attention in 2019 when federal officials raided former developer Paul's home and the offices of his World Class Holdings in downtown Austin.
    Tony Plohetski, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Verb
  • In June, the artist slammed ICE in a video recorded in Carolina, Puerto Rico, where officers are seen detaining several people in the streets.
    Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 4 July 2025
  • Beshear slammed Republicans in support of the bill, accusing them of abandoning constituents who depend on the programs.
    Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 4 July 2025
Verb
  • Designers embracing experimentation struck an elegant balance between classic style staples and elevated craftsmanship with a modern use of innovative techniques, textures and textiles.
    Elizabeth Grace Coyne, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Four bullets struck Shakur in the chest, arm and thigh.
    Danielle Bacher, People.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Is it expected to storm over the weekend in Grand Rapids?
    Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 11 July 2025
  • Just over 1 kilometer to the west on Hardware Lane – one of the city’s most popular areas for restaurants and nightlife – about 20 protesters stormed into an Israeli restaurant, chanting slogans, police said.
    Angus Watson, CNN Money, 5 July 2025
Verb
  • Three years later, Armando Galarraga didn’t, robbed by a wrong call by first-base umpire Jim Joyce — who owned up to it almost immediately — in the days before instant replay.
    Ryan Ford, Freep.com, 11 July 2025
  • Menzies was convicted of the 1986 murder of 26-year-old Maurine Hunsaker, a married mother of three who was kidnapped, robbed, strangled, and found tied to a tree with her throat slit.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 11 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Assail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assail. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on assail

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!