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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 Sam eventually escapes her assailants and seemingly stops Charlie from enduring further harm. — Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 10 Sep. 2026 An alleged assailant forced his way Sunday toward Democratic candidate Amy Acton at a county fair, officials and witnesses said. — Karen Tumulty, Washington Post, 8 Sep. 2026 At a fair Sunday in Ohio, an armed assailant charged toward Democratic candidate for Ohio governor Amy Acton and injured several people before he was stopped by troopers, authorities said. — ABC News, 7 Sep. 2026 Members of the assailant's family had been killed by Israeli strikes in Lebanon. — Sam Gringlas, NPR, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for assailant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assailant
  1. attacker
  2. assaulter
Noun
  • 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, Arkansas Online, 20 Sep. 2026
  • But the attackers may have stopped because one of them was wounded by an armed security officer at the mosque, federal law enforcement officials told CNN.
    — Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 19 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 26 Sep. 2026.

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