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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of assault
Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 9 Feb. 2026
The rapper's boyfriend now faces a felony strangulation or suffocation charge, along with misdemeanor assault, according to online court records reviewed by USA TODAY.
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 9 Feb. 2026
Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 6 Feb. 2026
In 2024, former DPS Trooper Zachary Maini pleaded no contest to an official oppression charge and in 2025, two former Austin officers pled guilty to assault causing bodily injury.
—Austin Sanders, Austin American Statesman, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for assault
Noun
As Reuters reported at the time, China fired rockets into the waters in an aggressive military demonstration of its new assault ships.
—Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 9 Feb. 2026
The rapper's boyfriend now faces a felony strangulation or suffocation charge, along with misdemeanor assault, according to online court records reviewed by USA TODAY.
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 9 Feb. 2026
Verb
Police said that after the crash, the Jetta driver exited his vehicle and went after the other motorist, physically assaulting them.
—Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 6 Feb. 2026
In 2024, former DPS Trooper Zachary Maini pleaded no contest to an official oppression charge and in 2025, two former Austin officers pled guilty to assault causing bodily injury.
—Austin Sanders, Austin American Statesman, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for assault
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assault
Noun
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One person was killed and two others were injured in an overnight Russian attack using drones and powerful glide bombs on the central Dnipropetrovsk region, according to the head of the regional military administration, Oleksandr Hanzha.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
7 Feb. 2026
-
The overnight attacks follow a recent lull in strikes on energy infrastructure by both sides, which was proposed by the US.—
Tim Lister,
CNN Money,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The Kremlin said its aircraft reacted to a violation of a no-fly zone Russia has established in the area near Crimea.—
DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE STAFF FROM WIRE REPORTS,
Arkansas Online,
6 Feb. 2026
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The issue, Council Member Jimmy Hallyburton said, is that the city doesn’t have any definitions of violations that the organizers may have committed.—
Shannon Tyler,
Idaho Statesman,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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As recently as December, police raided a gay-friendly venue in the nation’s capital, Baku, and detained more than 100 people.—
Ryan Oehrli
Updated February 6,
Charlotte Observer,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Police raided Mitchell’s Vallejo home and found the gun, an extended magazine, and body armor, according to the criminal complaint.—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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If the director and board both agree the investigation showed police policy was violated, the Cincinnati city manager will make a final decision regarding punishment, if warranted.—
Matthew Cupelli,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Cross later filed a federal lawsuit against Nanos, claiming the sheriff violated his First Amendment rights.—
Peter D'Abrosca , Alexandra Koch,
FOXNews.com,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Anyone who finds that offensive is telling on themselves.—
Prince J. Grimes,
USA Today,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Russia has been waging a sustained offensive against Ukraine's power grid through the winter.—
David Brennan,
ABC News,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
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On his phone, customs agents discovered messages encouraging extreme violence, rape, Nazism and self-harm.—
Curt Devine,
CNN Money,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Yet, the show also didn't shy away from tough, sometimes controversial subject matter, including rape, addiction, and child loss.—
Amy Wilkinson,
Entertainment Weekly,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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In August 2024, students stormed her official residence, smashing walls and looting its contents, forcing her to flee into neighboring India and exile.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
10 Feb. 2026
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In their defense, the horn sounded, and the clock showed zeroes, so legions of Tar Heel blue stormed the court.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Beijing’s national security law has transformed Hong Kong, with authorities jailing dozens of dissidents; forcing civil society groups and outspoken media outlets to disband; and neutering the city’s once-raucous political scene.—
Chris Lau,
CNN Money,
9 Feb. 2026
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The defense forced three turnovers, Jason Myers kicked a Super Bowl-record five field goals, and running back Kenneth Walker III rushed for 135 yards to earn most valuable player as the Seahawks finished the season with 10 consecutive victories.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Assault.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assault. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.
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