Synonyms of assailant

assailant

noun

ə-ˈsā-lənt 

as in attacker

one who violently sets upon another

the darkness prevented me from getting a good look at my assailant

Synonyms & Similar Words

• attacker
• assaulter
• robber
• predator
• bushwhacker
• invader
• rapist
• aggressor
• besieger
• mugger
• raider
• raper
• molester
• ravager
• counterattacker

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of assailant

During the struggle the cockpit door was opened, allowing other passengers to rush in, subdue his assailant, and take control of the plane that was enroute to Tel Aviv. — Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026

Henriette Reker, who served two terms as the mayor of Cologne, Germany, until last year, survived an assassination attempt, in 2015, by a far-right assailant angry about migration. — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2026

Sadiq said two attackers detonated explosives inside the compound Saturday morning and that police had killed six assailants so far, not including the bombers. — Arkansas Online, 20 Sep. 2026

This option from Vantamo flashes a bright light and emits a 130-decibel sound from dual speakers whenever the top pin is pulled, alerting passersby of the emergency and scaring off potential assailants. — Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 20 Sep. 2026