1
as in attacked
to criticize harshly and usually publicly
the union organizers assailed the chemical company for failing to provide a safe working environment
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in assaulted
to take sudden, violent action against
the small birds assailed the larger one that had threatened their nest
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of assailed
Election officials and experts assailed the review, done by the security firm Cyber Ninjas—which made claims about the election process that were disputed by state and county election officials—as deeply flawed and partisan.
—
Sarah Fitzpatrick, The Atlantic, 10 Mar. 2026
California law restricts when local enforcement can coordinate with ICE in making such arrests, and federal officials and Republicans have assailed the policy for hindering immigration enforcement.
—Ethan Varian, Mercury News, 8 Mar. 2026
In announcing the Pentagon’s agreement with Scouting America, the defense secretary assailed the group for welcoming transgender children but stopped short of saying they would be denied entry.
—Tara Copp, Washington Post, 27 Feb. 2026
Ekulona’s Julie is assailed as much by Hedda’s slights as by her indifference.
—Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2026
Alongside Palasciano, speakers assailed the influx of Indian Americans, from accusing them of snatching the American Dream to criticizing their driving skills and even blaming them for traffic.
—Sarah Bahari, Dallas Morning News, 16 Feb. 2026
Emotions were hot during a House Judiciary Committee hearing this past week where Bondi was assailed by lawmakers from both sides of the aisle, who accused the Justice Department of redacting the names of multiple men for political reasons.
—Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026
Trump chose Powell to lead the Fed in 2017 but this year has relentlessly assailed him for not cutting interest rates quickly enough.
—Christopher Rugaber, Fortune, 31 Jan. 2026
Trump picked Powell to lead the Fed in 2017 but has been relentlessly assailed him for not cutting interest rates quickly enough.
—Matt Ott, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
Sarah Fitzpatrick, The Atlantic, 10 Mar. 2026
California law restricts when local enforcement can coordinate with ICE in making such arrests, and federal officials and Republicans have assailed the policy for hindering immigration enforcement.
—Ethan Varian, Mercury News, 8 Mar. 2026
In announcing the Pentagon’s agreement with Scouting America, the defense secretary assailed the group for welcoming transgender children but stopped short of saying they would be denied entry.
—Tara Copp, Washington Post, 27 Feb. 2026
Ekulona’s Julie is assailed as much by Hedda’s slights as by her indifference.
—Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2026
Alongside Palasciano, speakers assailed the influx of Indian Americans, from accusing them of snatching the American Dream to criticizing their driving skills and even blaming them for traffic.
—Sarah Bahari, Dallas Morning News, 16 Feb. 2026
Emotions were hot during a House Judiciary Committee hearing this past week where Bondi was assailed by lawmakers from both sides of the aisle, who accused the Justice Department of redacting the names of multiple men for political reasons.
—Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026
Trump chose Powell to lead the Fed in 2017 but this year has relentlessly assailed him for not cutting interest rates quickly enough.
—Christopher Rugaber, Fortune, 31 Jan. 2026
Trump picked Powell to lead the Fed in 2017 but has been relentlessly assailed him for not cutting interest rates quickly enough.
—Matt Ott, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assailed
Verb
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Commercial traffic through the maritime chokepoint has virtually ceased since the US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, with Iran vowing to strike any vessels associated with the two countries or their partners.—
Brad Lendon,
CNN Money,
16 Mar. 2026
-
Since the United States and Israel attacked Iran more than two weeks ago, Tehran has regularly fired on Israel, American bases in the region, and Gulf Arab countries’ energy infrastructure with drones and missiles.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Police allege the singer assaulted the officers who were trying to take him into custody.—
Alexandra Del Rosario,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Mar. 2026
-
Oren assaulted her; his team disputes it Before the Memorial Day assault, Acree alleges she was raped by Oren Alexander, Tal’s younger brother, in his New York apartment, according to her civil lawsuit against him, Tal and two other defendants.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Zardari slammed the government in Kabul.—
MUNIR AHMED,
Arkansas Online,
15 Mar. 2026
-
Several people were hospitalized after a car slammed into the rear of another vehicle in front of the Aura nightclub in Kansas City’s midtown, and police suspect impairment was a factor, a police spokeswoman said.—
Robert A. Cronkleton
March 14,
Kansas City Star,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Fast forward to now, when Andrew was arrested on his birthday, questioned for over 11 hours, and his homes and offices were raided.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
15 Mar. 2026
-
Reginald Arthurell — who began transitioning to a woman shortly after his release from prison in 2020 — was removed from the home after heavily armed officers raided the address on Monday, radio station 2GB reported.—
Bonny Chu,
FOXNews.com,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
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In Zambrano’s case, Gee scolded the government over how the detention unfolded.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Feb. 2026
-
He is being groomed, playing, testing boundaries and even being scolded which are all part of normal social learning for young macaques.—
Jasmine Baehr,
FOXNews.com,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
After Rock Canyon built a 30-21 halftime lead, the Mustangs stormed back in the second half.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
15 Mar. 2026
-
The senior guard scored six quick points as part of an impressive 13-0 run to close the quarter, as Bishop Fenwick stormed right back to seize a commanding 41-29 lead entering the fourth.—
Brendan Connelly,
Boston Herald,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The most serious mid-air collision involving the plane happened in 1966, when a B-52 bomber carrying nuclear bombs struck a tanker near Palomares, Spain.—
Kim Tong-Hyung,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Mar. 2026
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Beyond the visuals, Tan’s actual caption struck a reflective tone that stood out from the usual social media fare.—
Hanna Wickes,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Assailed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assailed. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.
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