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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

After the match, David Finlay attacks White before the rest of the Bang Bang Gang runs down to make the save.

— Rob Wolkenbrod, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Lawsuit attacks diversity efforts The lawsuit comes amid a broader crackdown on diversity initiatives nationwide as conservatives argue similar programs treat white people unfairly.

— Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 23 July 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

Someone else scolds the offender.

— Judith Martin, Mercury News, 16 June 2026
Inspired by This Is Spinal Tap, Cundieff makes quick work of lambasting the casual misogyny and homophobia ingrained in hardcore rap, but also of the media scolds unable to parse the message of the music.

— Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 3 June 2026

Definition of scolds

Verb

John Waters strikes a pose at the 2026 Mosswood Meltdown in Oakland, California on July 19.

— Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 21 July 2026
The series of intimate dispatches was widely credited for its courage and also for raising awareness of the disease, which strikes men far less often than women.

— Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 July 2026

Definition of strikes

Verb

While standing at the case, visitors can hear the audio of the speech where Douglass criticizes Americans celebrating freedom while millions remain enslaved.

— Kaitlyn Harvey, AJC.com, 23 July 2026
The sharp lyrics and title are embodied in the music itself, most notably in the relentless rhythm section, which reflects the endless pursuit of conformity and ambition that Smith criticizes.

— Sophie Miller, Rolling Stone, 19 July 2026

Definition of criticizes

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assailing

assails

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“Assails.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assails. Accessed 28 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of assails

verb

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