Synonyms of assault

assault 1 of 2

noun

ə-ˈsȯlt 

1

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

2

as in violation

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

• violation
• rape
• sexual assault
• ravishment

assault

2 of 2

verb

1

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
• 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
• light into
• flank
• bomb
• besiege
• blitz
• plunder
• waylay
• gang up (on)
• ravage
• nuke
• bombard
• cannon
• bum-rush
• loot
• pillage
• batter
• ambuscade
• buffet
• foray
• cannonade
• mug
• overrun
• plaster
• harry
• bang away (at)
• envelop
• press
• beleaguer

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

2

as in to violate

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

• violate
• rape
• force
• ravish

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

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

The arson and assaults in four Nablus-area villages yesterday came a day after the official Palestinian news agency WAFA reported simultaneous attacks in at least six communities overnight — the latest spate of violence in the occupied West Bank. —Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 23 Mar. 2026

Constand testified in the Motsinger trial, along with several other women who have claimed assaults by Cosby. —Dominic Patten, Deadline, 23 Mar. 2026

Verb

Charges say officers were approached by a man outside the apartment building, who said the 22-year-old had told him that a man had gone into the building and assaulted his girlfriend. —Wcco Staff, CBS News, 20 Mar. 2026

Others were getting harassed by agents of the regime, who arrived at their homes to confiscate their devices and assault their relatives. —Cora Engelbrecht, New Yorker, 20 Mar. 2026

Phrases Containing assault

• sexual assault