1
as in attack
the act or action of setting upon with force or violence
the walls withstood the onset of the first battalion
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in beginning
the point at which something begins
the claim that if you take enough vitamin C at the onset of a cold, you'll often recover faster
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of onset
Next encounter with Halley's debris Stargazers will be treated to another display of shooting stars when Earth takes its second yearly dive through Halley's debris trail in the latter months of 2025, heralding the onset of the Orionid meteor shower.
—
Anthony Wood, Space.com, 6 May 2025
An index of consumer confidence fell in April to its lowest level since the onset of the pandemic.
—Scott Horsley, NPR, 2 May 2025
The Conference Board, a business group, reported Tuesday that Americans’ confidence in the economy fell for the fifth straight month to the lowest level since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
—Paul Wiseman, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025
Lucy Nicholson | Reuters McDonald’s on Thursday reported mixed quarterly results as its U.S. same-store sales fell for the second straight quarter, posting their largest domestic decline since the onset of the Covid pandemic.
—Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for onset
Anthony Wood, Space.com, 6 May 2025
An index of consumer confidence fell in April to its lowest level since the onset of the pandemic.
—Scott Horsley, NPR, 2 May 2025
The Conference Board, a business group, reported Tuesday that Americans’ confidence in the economy fell for the fifth straight month to the lowest level since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
—Paul Wiseman, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025
Lucy Nicholson | Reuters McDonald’s on Thursday reported mixed quarterly results as its U.S. same-store sales fell for the second straight quarter, posting their largest domestic decline since the onset of the Covid pandemic.
—Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for onset
Recent Examples of Synonyms for onset
Noun
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The attack left about 1,200 people dead, and militants captured Alexander and some 250 others to hold hostage. 'Greatest gift': Family of NJ's Edan Alexander heads to Israel as Hamas agrees to release How many hostages remain in Gaza?—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
13 May 2025
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In late August, Schuyler belatedly learned that Washington was preparing a second prong of attack, which would depart from Massachusetts and make its way north through the wilds of Maine and Quebec under Arnold’s command.—
Eli Wizevich,
Smithsonian Magazine,
12 May 2025
Noun
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The inaugural Mass marked the official beginning of Leo’s pontificate.—
Molly Bohannon,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2025
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Coming back as a judge 20 years later is such a special full-circle moment for me and it’s meant a lot to share that journey with the people that have been there from the beginning, as well as a whole new generation of Idol fans.—
Michelle Lee,
People.com,
18 May 2025
Noun
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How can organizations handle this onslaught of events?—
Johanna Herrmann,
Forbes.com,
8 May 2025
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In early April, Trump imposed a 20% levy on goods from the EU as part of his tariff onslaught against global trading partners.—
Lorne Cook,
Los Angeles Times,
8 May 2025
Noun
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Kuhns allowed 5 runs (4 earned), 3 hits and 3 walks, and struck out 3 during his 2-inning start for the Vols.—
Matt Jones,
Arkansas Online,
17 May 2025
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Score 50% Off During the Home Depot Memorial Sale 2025 Memorial Day is the official start of grill season, and retailers tend to celebrate this with big discounts on grills and smokers.—
Matthew Korfhage,
Wired News,
17 May 2025
Noun
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On Saturday, an employee at one of Smith’s restaurants shared insight into how operations have changed since the increase in raids.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
19 May 2025
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Meanwhile, there’s been a stronger focus on enforcement in the country’s interior, including workplace raids.—
Michael Smolens,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 May 2025
Noun
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Sheridan’s first stop was in San Marcos on May 8 for Texas State University’s spring commencement, where he was awarded an honorary doctorate of letters.—
Brayden Garcia,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 May 2025
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Bentley University's commencement is set to take place on Friday.—
Nadine El-Bawab,
ABC News,
13 May 2025
Noun
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Beijing has also softened its regulatory assault on Chinese technology companies and the property sector.—
Jacky Wong,
WSJ,
6 Feb. 2023
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Zelenskyy has warned for weeks that Moscow aims to step up its assault after about two months of virtual stalemate along the front line that stretches across the south and east.—
Reuters,
NBC News,
31 Jan. 2023
Noun
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Profitable since inception, Unicorn is planning another round of fundraising soon, Mikhaylov said.—
Robert Channick,
Chicago Tribune,
10 May 2025
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The exhibition encompasses the house’s work from its inception to the 1920s — when famous actresses and singers, such as Sarah Bernhardt, Sophie Croizette and Nellie Melba, wore its clothes on-stage and off.—
Brian Ng,
CNN Money,
9 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Onset.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/onset. Accessed 23 May. 2025.
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