1
as in attacks
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 assaults
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 assails
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
Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 20 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assails
Verb
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But there are many other threats out there, like the evil wizard Vilgefortz (Mahesh Jadu) who attacks Yennefer’s forces in the climactic Battle of Montecalvo.—
Jordan Moreau,
Variety,
31 Oct. 2025
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Some people worry that flu shots increase the risk of Guillain-Barre syndrome, a serious but rare disorder in which the immune system attacks nerve cells, causing muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis.—
Liz Szabo,
NBC news,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The White House told ProPublica that anyone who assaults federal immigration agents would be prosecuted.—
Nicole Foy,
ProPublica,
18 Oct. 2025
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The Kid also physically assaults Apollonia at one point.—
Ross Raihala,
Twin Cities,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Scientists have always assumed that when this stellar ejecta violently slams into dense gas surrounding the dying star, known as the circumstellar medium, this generates narrow emission lines in the light or spectra seen from Type II supernovas.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
30 Oct. 2025
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Jamaica reels after Hurricane Melissa slams into the island, severely damaging roads and hospitals.—
Christian Orozco,
NBC news,
29 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The episode sees Marge revisit her nostalgia for a Dawson's Creek-esque '90s teen drama as Lisa raids her mom's closet for vintage threads with the help of fashion-forward classmates Devin (Cole Escola) and Vidalia (Stephanie Hsu).—
Wesley Stenzel,
Entertainment Weekly,
28 Sep. 2025
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Appalachian State’s victory at Michigan in 2007 remains the greatest example of what can happen when a good FCS team walks into your house and raids the fridge, and everything else, but leaves the dog.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Governance scolds are appalled by the number, as is the pope.—
Liz Hoffman,
semafor.com,
16 Sep. 2025
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Woke scolds and anti-woke dolts alike objected to the image of Carpenter kneeling in front of a man who appears to be using her hair as a leash.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
29 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The sateen weave strikes the perfect balance for fall—breathable enough to release pesky heat and moisture, yet cozy and smooth enough to snuggle into on cooler nights.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
31 Oct. 2025
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The Gesture strikes the perfect balance between plush and firm, providing back support for long days at your desk alongside a thick, comfortable seat that holds up to years of punishment.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Dave Smith is a comedian and libertarian who often criticizes both Democrats and Republicans through a libertarian lens.—
Rafael Perez,
Oc Register,
28 Oct. 2025
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Jenkins did not respond to an interview request, but the extent of those concerns appears to have been a memo authored by an Oakland resident who frequently criticizes the commission at public forums.—
Shomik Mukherjee,
Mercury News,
13 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The movie tries to pick up the threads of previous films, but, in attempting to make Myers more mystical, this film robs him of his knife-edge menace.—
Chris Snellgrove,
Entertainment Weekly,
25 Oct. 2025
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Advertisement Displacement robs people of agency.—
Cas Holman,
Time,
21 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Assails.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assails. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.
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