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attack

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verb

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb attack contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of attack are assail, assault, bombard, and storm. While all these words mean "to make an onslaught upon," attack implies taking the initiative in a struggle.

plan to attack the town at dawn

When could assail be used to replace attack?

The words assail and attack are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, assail implies attempting to break down resistance by repeated blows or shots.

assailed the enemy with artillery fire

When might assault be a better fit than attack?

Although the words assault and attack have much in common, assault suggests a direct attempt to overpower by suddenness and violence of onslaught.

commandos assaulted the building from all sides

When would bombard be a good substitute for attack?

The synonyms bombard and attack are sometimes interchangeable, but bombard applies to attacking with bombs or shells.

bombarded the city nightly

When can storm be used instead of attack?

While the synonyms storm and attack are close in meaning, storm implies attempting to break into a defended position.

preparing to storm the fortress

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 attack
Noun
Jane Fonda is relaunching the Committee for the First Amendment, the McCarthy-era committee founded by her father Henry Fonda with such stars as Lucille Ball, Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall to protect against attacks on free speech. Greg Evans, Deadline, 1 Oct. 2025 The pair allegedly stole an Infiniti Q50, which was used during the attack. Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
Residents in San Rafael told local media outlets that more than five people have been attacked by the same squirrel, citing the caramel or golden hue of its fur. Christopher Cann, USA Today, 25 Sep. 2025 The other feature is how Glasner’s side creates space for their centre-backs to attack. Ahmed Walid, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for attack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attack
Noun
  • The President has even threatened to arrest Mamdani, after the Democratic nominee vowed to push back on Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids.
    Chantelle Lee, Time, 28 Sep. 2025
  • In June 2025, National Guard forces were also deployed to Los Angeles amid protests over immigration raids.
    Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • From a bleak job hunt upon her arrival in 2016 to undergoing treatment for her second bout with breast cancer during the uncertainty and fear of COVID, Davis recalls her journey through raw vulnerability and splashes of humor.
    Essence, Essence, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Fans have been waiting for Michael Chandler and Conor McGregor to duke it out in the octagon, but injuries and other factors have postponed the bout.
    Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The Moroccan Association for Human Rights said dozens were arrested on Saturday, including some who were physically assaulted.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Brown, who also faces separate charges of assaulting a federal officer, remains in custody without bond, while Samane was released on $5,000 bond.
    Sophia Compton, FOXNews.com, 27 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Attorneys slam facility conditions Immigration enforcement processing centers are only supposed to hold people for 72 hours or less, according to Long.
    Michael Loria, USA Today, 27 Sep. 2025
  • The charging bear slams against the car as the door closes, swiping at the space where the man's head was moments before.
    Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • If the thought of budgeting gives you a headache, there's another way to approach managing your money without tracking every expense or obsessing over spreadsheets.
    Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Nozawa approached the decor with the goal of softening the architecture's hard lines and surfaces, while channeling the color palette of the building materials.
    Monika Biegler Eyers, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The onslaught began with a 53-yard TD strike from Gebhardt to Domonique Young.
    Mike Waters, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Sep. 2025
  • But the map faces an onslaught of attacks in the courtroom and, potentially, the ballot box.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 25 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • On Wednesday, the Italian carabinieri art squad executed the seizure of 21 pieces of tapestries, drawings and engravings following a judge’s warrant.
    Ashley J. DiMella, FOXNews.com, 1 Oct. 2025
  • According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders, the disorder generally presents with a global developmental delay, moderate to severe intellectual disability, and seizures and progressive motor symptoms, amongst other things.
    Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Kyle storms off and vows to find whoever is responsible.
    Jack Dunn, Variety, 25 Sep. 2025
  • And just when fans thought he was done, McIlroy stormed back to win the Irish Open, proving his form.
    Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Attack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attack. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on attack

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