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
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In October alone, shoppers were attacked in a supermarket, a Spanish tourist was scratched by a cub at a heritage site, and a trail runner was forced to wrestle a bear in the woods before sprinting to safety.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
7 Nov. 2025 -
Iran fired hundreds of ballistic missiles into Israel in response and attacked the Middle East's largest American military base in Qatar.—
MSNBC Newsweek,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Early on, federal agents guarding the building deployed tear gas and shot pepper balls in clashes with protesters and arrested some of them, including some charged with felonies on suspicion of assaulting or blocking officers.—
Nicquel Terry Ellis,
CNN Money,
2 Nov. 2025
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At one point, the seventh-grader was assaulted, leaving bruises.—
Mikelle Street,
Them.,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The thieves raided the Apollo Gallery on the Louvre’s upper floor, which houses the French crown jewels, on October 19.—
Jack Guy,
CNN Money,
3 Nov. 2025
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In 1917, during WWI, a German newspaper in Cincinnati was raided by the US government.—
Carl Weiser,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
3 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Police geared up and stormed the compound, using a hoe to knock the padlock off a door inside.—
Mick Krever,
CNN Money,
6 Nov. 2025
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Players must focus on teamwork, communication and coordination to successfully complete orders before customers get angry and storm out.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Women’s CrossCity Sneaker While famous for its athleisure apparel, Lululemon has quietly expanded into the realm of sneakers—and this lightweight pair strikes the perfect balance of stylish and comfortable for long days of sightseeing.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
26 Oct. 2025
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The mob of rioters grew more hostile and violent, advancing toward agents and began throwing rocks and other objects at agents, including one that struck Chief Greg Bovino in the head.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Oct. 2025
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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 7 Nov. 2025.
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