assailant

noun

ə-ˈsā-lənt How to pronounce assailant (audio)
Definition of assailantnext
as in attacker
one who violently sets upon another the darkness prevented me from getting a good look at my assailant

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 assailant Police have not yet said what led to the fight and if the victim knew the assailant. — Harry Harris, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026 The assailants attacked a mosque in Kpenya village after attacks in a string of villages in the remote Borgu Local Government Area of Niger state Friday, police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun said. — ABC News, 22 Aug. 2026 Their disappearance was discovered only two hours later, when tourists stumbled upon two Antonello paintings, apparently abandoned by the assailants, leaning against the museum fence. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 18 Aug. 2026 Viewers waited eight months, to the day, to find out that sister-in-law Kristin Shepard was the real assailant who framed Sue Ellen for the shooting. — Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 16 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for assailant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assailant
  1. attacker
  2. assaulter
Noun
  • Mission-critical sectors like financials, pharmaceuticals, energy and healthcare are scrambling to reinforce cyber defenses before attackers deploy the latest AI tools.
    — Samantha Subin, CNBC, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Her skill in the post as a passing hub and a scorer is near-unmatched, and she is flanked by two dynamic guards in Julie Allemand (Toronto Tempo) and Julie Vanloo, who are willing creators and attackers.
    — Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of attacker
Noun
  • Any assaulter of mine spending less time on the field is A-OK, though.
    — Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 3 June 2026
  • His alleged assaulter was arrested and jailed Wednesday.
    — Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
Definition of assaulter

Browse Nearby Words

assailable
assailant
assailants
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Assailant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assailant. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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