ONSET Synonyms: 123 Similar and Opposite Words

onset

noun

ˈȯn-ˌset

Definition of onset

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

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

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 onset The medical term for the underlying condition is late-onset hypogonadism. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 27 July 2026 Had he been exposed to a more run-of-the-mill pneumonic plague, symptom onset would have already consigned him to bed. — Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 25 July 2026 In the meantime, if the sudden onset of the midsummer sports doldrums is anything to go by, the next World Cup can’t get here soon enough. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 24 July 2026 The median illness onset date was June 26, 2026 (range from May 1 to July 16). — Mike Snider, USA Today, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for onset

Recent Examples of Synonyms for onset

Noun

While a ground operation would be complex, the ISIS report pointed out several possible avenues for attack.

— Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
That case focused mostly on the details of the knife attack itself; the federal one delves more into questions of motive.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 July 2026

Definition of attack

Noun

Asking how your home will be promoted, and whether it will be listed in the MLS from the very beginning, can help ensure your property has the strongest possible start.

— Heartland MLS®, Kansas City Star, 22 July 2026
The Bundesliga had only begun in 1963, marking the true beginning of professionalism.

— James Pearce, New York Times, 22 July 2026

Definition of beginning

Noun

Prosecutors have charged the 15-year-old with one count each of first-degree assault with a firearm enhancement and second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm.

— Joe Kottke, NBC news, 31 July 2026
There was no autopsy — only a physical examination that showed no evidence of defensive wounds or assault.

— Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026

Definition of assault

Noun

Tarik Skubal takes the mound Tuesday night for his first start with the NL West leaders since the ace left-hander was acquired in a trade with the Detroit Tigers.

— Jay Cohen, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2026
Her relentless complaining starts to wear on Kat, who bears the brunt of it.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of start

Noun

Since its inception, more than 160 productions have been staged, reaching more than 6 million people.

— Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026
Gilroy’s multi-ethnic roots, however, begin at its inception, when Scotsman John Gilroy became the first English-speaking settler of California, married Maria Clara Ortega – the daughter of a Spanish rancher, and then became a Mexican citizen.

— Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 31 July 2026

Definition of inception

Noun

On the streets of Brooklyn’s Little Haiti, DHS’ announcement had a quieting effect, as fears of federal immigration raids swept the community, locals told the Daily News.

— Emma Seiwell, New York Daily News, 1 Aug. 2026
Offer sheets can be sent, but teams will be aware of the practice and defend against such player raids.

— Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 31 July 2026

Definition of raid

Noun

Crist, for example, was given a distinguished alumni award June 5 at commencement ceremonies held by the Antelope Valley College.

— Pat Maio, Daily News, 31 July 2026
The 22-year-old students from Bradford, England, took to the stage together at Keele University’s commencement ceremony to collect their diplomas.

— Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 25 July 2026

Definition of commencement

Browse Nearby Words

onrushes

onset

onsets

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Onset.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/onset. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of onset

noun

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