as in to attack
to take sudden, violent action against
the shock troops descended on the village without warning
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for descend (on or upon)
Verb
-
The American always had the engine and work rate to flit between defensive and attacking duties in a central midfield berth.—
Beren Cross,
New York Times,
20 Mar. 2026 -
Santos and Langdon both attack things pretty head on.—
Emily Tannenbaum,
Glamour,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Solomon faces charges of forcibly assaulting a federal officer and inflicting bodily injury.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
15 Mar. 2026
-
That’s because lawmakers put outsized effort into a slew of dangerous and divisive bills that assault the basic rights of every Floridian.—
Orlando Sentinel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
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In 2019, a pair of private poker clubs was raided in Houston.—
Marley Malenfant,
Austin American Statesman,
20 Mar. 2026
-
Some of Hadi’s friends have had their homes raided; others have been detained, or have gone missing.—
Cora Engelbrecht,
New Yorker,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
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After Rock Canyon built a 30-21 halftime lead, the Mustangs stormed back in the second half.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
15 Mar. 2026
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The senior guard scored six quick points as part of an impressive 13-0 run to close the quarter, as Bishop Fenwick stormed right back to seize a commanding 41-29 lead entering the fourth.—
Brendan Connelly,
Boston Herald,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
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For its part, Israel continued to strike Hezbollah targets almost on a daily basis and occupy five strategic spots inside Lebanon, all similarly in violation of the ceasefire.—
Asher Kaufman,
The Conversation,
20 Mar. 2026
-
Recent gas line strikes heighten concern The incident comes just two days after two separate natural gas line strikes elsewhere in Lake Dallas triggered major closures and evacuations near City Hall.—
Doug Myers,
CBS News,
20 Mar. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Descend (on or upon).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/descend%20%28on%20or%20upon%29. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.
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