Synonyms of assault

assault 1 of 2

noun

ə-ˈsȯlt 

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

• rape
• violation
• sexual assault
• ravishment
• date rape
• acquaintance rape
• statutory rape
• gang rape
• molestation
• indecent assault
• defilement
• deflowering

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

• attack
• raid
• onslaught
• strike
• offensive
• offense
• attempt
• bombardment
• offence
• aggression
• blitzkrieg
• onset
• rush
• invasion
• blitz
• counterattack
• incursion
• charge
• barrage
• bombing
• ambush
• descent
• coup de main
• siege
• counteroffensive
• ambuscade
• breakthrough
• foray
• envelopment
• sortie
• volley
• pillage
• air raid
• sack
• counterassault
• counterstrike
• fusillade
• sally
• storm
• cannonade
• counteraggression
• salvo
• hail
• flanking
• ravage
• whammy

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• defense
• resistance
• opposition
• guard
• protection
• shield
• security
• defensive
• shelter

assault

2 of 2

verb

1

as in to rape

to engage in sexual activity and especially intercourse with a person unwilling or unable to give consent

was registered as a sex offender after assaulting the victim

Synonyms & Similar Words

• rape
• violate
• force
• ravish
• date rape
• molest
• gang rape
• deflower
• paw
• defile

2

as in to attack

to take sudden, violent action against

was found guilty of assaulting an officer

enemy forces assaulted the city

Synonyms & Similar Words

• attack
• raid
• storm
• strike
• ambush
• charge
• rob
• sick
• set at
• turn (on)
• set on
• descend (on or upon)
• assail
• invade
• set upon
• swarm
• rush
• beset
• fly at
• jump (on)
• pounce (on or upon)
• go in (on)
• tear into
• sic
• bushwhack
• round on
• pitch into
• trash
• mob
• beat up on
• go at
• surprise
• barrage
• sack
• flank
• light into
• bomb
• besiege
• blitz
• plunder
• waylay
• gang up (on)
• ravage
• surprize
• nuke
• bombard
• cannon
• bum-rush
• loot
• pillage
• batter
• ambuscade
• buffet
• foray
• cannonade
• mug
• overrun
• plaster
• harry
• beleaguer
• bang away (at)
• envelop
• press

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• protect
• defend
• secure
• cover
• guard
• shield

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb assault contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of assault are assail, attack, bombard, and storm. While all these words mean "to make an onslaught upon," assault suggests a direct attempt to overpower by suddenness and violence of onslaught.

commandos assaulted the building from all sides

When could assail be used to replace assault?

While the synonyms assail and assault are close in meaning, assail implies attempting to break down resistance by repeated blows or shots.

assailed the enemy with artillery fire

When is it sensible to use attack instead of assault?

Although the words attack and assault have much in common, attack implies taking the initiative in a struggle.

plan to attack the town at dawn

When would bombard be a good substitute for assault?

The words bombard and assault are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bombard applies to attacking with bombs or shells.

bombarded the city nightly

When is storm a more appropriate choice than assault?

The words storm and assault can be used in similar contexts, but storm implies attempting to break into a defended position.

preparing to storm the fortress

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of 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

Lohan was arrested last month in Palm Beach County for violating probation in connection with a February arrest in Texas when he was charged with Continuous Violence Against the Family for allegedly assaulting 42-year-old Major. —Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 24 Apr. 2025

Leslie Cockrell alleged in her suit that, in 1999, Combs and another man assaulted her at his summer party in the Hamptons. —Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025

Phrases Containing assault

• sexual assault