1
as in rape
the act of forcing a person to engage in sexual activity and especially intercourse
attended a class teaching women self-defense against assault
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in attack
the act or action of setting upon with force or violence
was arrested for his assault of the bystander
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
2
as in to attack
to take sudden, violent action against
was found guilty of assaulting an officer enemy forces assaulted the city
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of assault
Jeanna Smialek, BostonGlobe.com, 30 Jan. 2023
Within days of his assault on White, Seneca allegedly attempted to kidnap a different man and allegedly kidnapped another, the Justice Department said in a previous statement.
—Matt Lavietes, NBC News, 26 Jan. 2023
Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 20 May 2025
The Justice Department charged a New Jersey congresswoman with assaulting federal agents during a clash outside a Newark ICE detention center.
—Catie Edmondson, New York Times, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for assault
Noun
That is why the Fed is taking a cautious stance and trying to avoid pulling back prematurely from its assault on inflation.
—Jeanna Smialek, BostonGlobe.com, 30 Jan. 2023
Within days of his assault on White, Seneca allegedly attempted to kidnap a different man and allegedly kidnapped another, the Justice Department said in a previous statement.
—Matt Lavietes, NBC News, 26 Jan. 2023
Verb
The charges were brought after Barnett’s former partner filed a police report on April 25 alleging that the Love Island star assaulted her on April 10 during an argument in front of their child.
—Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 20 May 2025
The Justice Department charged a New Jersey congresswoman with assaulting federal agents during a clash outside a Newark ICE detention center.
—Catie Edmondson, New York Times, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for assault
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assault
Noun
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Very few people in the area drive that model, and only one of them has a prior rape conviction—Mike.—
Isadora Wandermurem,
Time,
16 May 2025
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The lawsuit accuses other officers of assault, battery, false imprisonment and rape, and says the department is to blame because of negligence.—
Julia Marnin,
Miami Herald,
15 May 2025
Noun
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The attack left about 1,200 people dead, and militants captured Alexander and some 250 others to hold hostage. 'Greatest gift': Family of NJ's Edan Alexander heads to Israel as Hamas agrees to release How many hostages remain in Gaza?—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
13 May 2025
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Alexander, who was captured by Hamas during the October 7 terror attacks, was handed over to the Red Cross in Khan Younis on Monday as part of efforts to re-establish ceasefire talks.—
Callum Sutherland,
Time,
12 May 2025
Verb
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Last week a federal appeals court upheld Sessions’ order to bring Ozturk back to New England for hearings to determine whether her constitutional rights, including free speech and due process, were violated, as her lawyers argue.—
Rodrique Ngowi,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2025
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Penalties for violating the new rule can exceed $50,000.—
Monica Pitrelli,Bella Stoddart,
CNBC,
12 May 2025
Verb
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Khartoum was founded as a slave market, in 1821, and Arabs continued to raid southern areas, including the Nuba Mountains, for human chattel long after the practice was outlawed, in 1924.—
Nicolas Niarchos,
New Yorker,
19 May 2025
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Wildlife biologists in Florida documented a bobcat raiding a python nest back in 2021.—
Bill Kearney,
Sun Sentinel,
19 May 2025
Noun
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The complaint at the crux of Lopez v. Apple is a violation of privacy.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
15 May 2025
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Rose agreed to a permanent ban on Aug. 23, 1989, following an investigation commissioned by Major League Baseball that concluded Rose repeatedly bet on the Reds as a player and manager of the team from 1985-87, a violation of a long-standing MLB rule.—
Ronald Blum,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2025
Noun
-
The offensive onslaught started with seven runs through two innings, and the Bearcats put the game out of reach by adding seven runs in the fifth inning.—
Charles Baggarly,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
17 May 2025
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The Cruel World onslaught on the Bay Area keeps right on rolling along, with so many acts playing the big ’80s music festival in Pasadena also performing dates up north.—
Jim Harrington,
Mercury News,
16 May 2025
Verb
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Some have succeeded in slashing sales and forcing policy changes.—
Betty Lin-Fisher,
USA Today,
19 May 2025
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Speechless in Idaho Dear Speechless: There is no way to force a bully to stop.—
Mark Mondier,
Arkansas Online,
18 May 2025
Verb
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The Panthers stormed back in this series by getting the game played on their terms at Amerant Bank Arena.—
Chris Johnston,
New York Times,
12 May 2025
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The reigning champs built substantial leads at home in both Games 1 and 2, but New York stormed back to win both those contests in stunning fashion.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Assault.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assault. Accessed 25 May. 2025.
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