ASSAILS Synonyms: 122 Similar and Opposite Words

assails

verb

present tense third-person singular of assail

as in attacks

to criticize harshly and usually publicly the union organizers assailed the chemical company for failing to provide a safe working environment

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as in assaults

to take sudden, violent action against the small birds assailed the larger one that had threatened their nest

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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 assails The war in Gaza has become a dividing line between the two candidates, both of whom are Jewish, as Lander assails Goldman for not being tough enough on Israel over its military action against Palestinians. — Anthony Izaguirre, Fortune, 23 June 2026 As an example, Vance called out an essay in The Nation that assails Kirk’s views on women, homosexuality, and affirmative action. — Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 20 Sep. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for assails

Verb

Here, Rashford attacks the space behind Guehi, with Cunha positioning himself between the lines to complement the run which should stretch the defensive line, but Martinez doesn’t play the ball to either of them.

— Ahmed Walid, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Ronald agrees to a quote that attacks Cooper for allowing violent criminals a second chance, when his son wouldn’t get one.

— Danielle Battaglia, Charlotte Observer, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of attacks

Verb

Anyone who assaults law enforcement will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

— Christina Fan, CBS News, 7 June 2026
Any passenger who assaults, threatens, intimidates or interferes with airline crew members can lead to penalties of up to $43,658 per violation, according to the FAA.

— Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 3 May 2026

Definition of assaults

Verb

In the character's final scene, as the DEA raids her rural compound, Laurie ties a rope around her neck and jumps from the roof of her home.

— Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 1 June 2026
In the meantime, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) finally raids Laurie's property, thanks to the intel Rue had been giving them.

— Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 1 June 2026

Definition of raids

Verb

Some intergenerational sparring ensues, as Kevin scolds Arthur for his more outré boomer comments, and Arthur in turn sneers at his grandson’s millennial lameness.

— Jessica Kiang, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026
The audience screams in response, and Scovel scolds them again but this time with a smile.

— Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of scolds

Verb

But the coming up with the idea in the first place, that strikes me as much more like coming up with a poem.

— David Brooks, The Atlantic, 20 Sep. 2026
This dress strikes the ideal balance between comfort and a flattering fit, with a roomy silhouette that drapes beautifully without clinging.

— Jacquelyn McGilvray, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of strikes

Verb

What sort of billionaire criticizes another billionaire for giving tons of money to charity?

— Matthew Carey, Deadline, 8 Sep. 2026
The article criticizes the lack of comparative studies showing firms implementing these remedies outperform similar ones that don't.

— Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of criticizes

Verb

Israel robs children of their smallest joys because joy is the seed of hope, and that is how the body learns that captivity is not the natural condition of life.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026
But the rollicking jollity that accompanies the final two acts, which includes the entrance of pirates and the abduction of Marina to a brothel, robs the ending of some of its pathos.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of robs

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“Assails.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assails. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of assails

verb

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