ONSETS Synonyms: 125 Similar and Opposite Words

onsets

noun

plural of onset

as in attacks

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 beginnings

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 onsets Experts said the second earthquake began before the first had even ended, with the two onsets separated by just 39 seconds. — Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 26 June 2026 Anxiety disorders can persist into adulthood, particularly those disorders with early onsets and those that are left untreated. — Elana Bernstein, The Conversation, 13 May 2022

Recent Examples of Synonyms for onsets

Noun

The development comes as the global shipping industry contends with attacks around the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, higher energy prices, and sharply reduced traffic through some of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints.

— Joshua Hong, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2026
The move follows months of Ukrainian attacks on oil refineries and logistics hubs that have disrupted fuel supplies and online commerce, deepening economic strain and public frustration as Russia’s war enters its fifth year.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of attacks

Noun

Humble beginnings Born on January 19, 1946 in a one-room cabin in Tennessee, Parton grew up the fourth of 12 children.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026
Kate O’Flynn has been a working actor for 20 years and, on this blinding August morning, is adjusting to the beginnings of her first-ever trip to Los Angeles.

— David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of beginnings

Noun

The government has been carrying out a counteroffensive since January, with aerial bombardments and ground assaults, despite an official commitment to the peace agreement.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
Since then, the assaults have been so frequent that even the mayor has lost counts.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of assaults

Noun

In his seven starts as a rookie last season, Sanders threw seven touchdown passes and nine interceptions.

— NBC Sports, NBC news, 26 Aug. 2026
Ezeudu appeared in all 17 games for the Giants in 2024 in a reserve role, which included two more starts at left tackle and one as an extra lineman.

— Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of starts

Noun

In the past few years, Underwood has come to realize that a bunch of barking alphas may not, in fact, be the best way to build a successful pack.

— Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2026
As a ballplayer, Kent was as irascible as Bonds; the two alphas reportedly brawled behind clubhouse doors, and famously clashed in the dugout during a 2002 game, when Bonds lunged for Kent’s throat and pushed him against the wall.

— Jeremy Collins, The Atlantic, 12 Dec. 2025

Definition of alphas

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onset

onsets

onslaught

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Style

“Onsets.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/onsets. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of onsets

noun

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