Definition of bombardnext
1
as in to bomb
to use bombs or artillery against the Allies bombarded Germany for a great many months during World War II

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to barrage
to attack with a rapid or overwhelming outpouring of many things at once reporters bombarded the company spokesman with sharp questions

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the verb bombard contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of bombard are assail, assault, attack, and storm. While all these words mean "to make an onslaught upon," bombard applies to attacking with bombs or shells.

bombarded the city nightly

When is assail a more appropriate choice than bombard?

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

assailed the enemy with artillery fire

When could assault be used to replace bombard?

While in some cases nearly identical to bombard, assault suggests a direct attempt to overpower by suddenness and violence of onslaught.

commandos assaulted the building from all sides

When might attack be a better fit than bombard?

The words attack and bombard can be used in similar contexts, but attack implies taking the initiative in a struggle.

plan to attack the town at dawn

When can storm be used instead of bombard?

The meanings of storm and bombard largely overlap; however, 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 bombard After Israel bombarded Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Beirut in retaliation for the Lebanese terrorist group’s rocket fire into northern Israel, the Iranian military responded by launching dozens of ballistic missiles into Israel. Daniel Depetris, Chicago Tribune, 9 June 2026 Hadley learned that Vintilla had been working as a restaurant hostess in London when Andrew connected with her on Instagram and began bombarding her with flattery. Heidi Blake, New Yorker, 8 June 2026 Teammates bombarded the two that scored with big celebrations each time. Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 4 June 2026 Today, when we are bombarded with news, alerts, and the constant intrusion of digital devices into every facet of our lives, that sentiment seems truer than ever. Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for bombard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bombard
Verb
  • It was used in bombing missions during the current conflict between the US and Iran.
    Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 15 June 2026
  • Additionally, Russia has ramped up attacks on civilian centers usually considered off-limits in wartime, such as a 1,000-year-old cathedral and monastery complex in Kyiv that was bombed Sunday night, killing three people.
    Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 15 June 2026
Verb
  • April is financial literacy month, which means consumers will be barraged with articles and programs designed to promote personal finance education.
    Leah Locke, Boston Herald, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Each character has totally justified and totally unjustified reasons for resenting one another, and the sensation of absorbing those contrasting opinions is like being in a stuck bumper car, barraged and battered from all sides.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 16 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Vance, asked by a reporter about the criticism from the Israeli government, singled out Israeli Cabinet officials who have attacked the deal, saying Netanyahu has not shared the same opposition in the vice president's conversations with him.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 19 June 2026
  • After the good Samaritan got him off the woman, witnesses say the man wandered to produce and began attacking a 16-year-old boy, but Garbe had followed him.
    Joy Benedict, CBS News, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • Craciun urged folks to flood the committee and Petrie-Norris’ office with calls and letters demanding action.
    Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 21 June 2026
  • People flooded the comment section with offers to help.
    Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Bombard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bombard. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.

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