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 United States also revoked a license for Iran to sell oil in response to a series of attacks on the commercial vessels that the regime has not taken responsibility for.

— Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 8 July 2026
This appears to be one of Kyiv's deepest attacks on Russian territory since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

— Justina Lee, CNBC, 8 July 2026

Definition of attacks

Noun

Johnson Products Company — which would later go on to manufacture Ultra Sheen, Classy Curl, Curly Perm and men’s cologne line Black Tie — was made from humble beginnings, grit and a revolutionary product idea.

— Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026
Since its 2011 beginnings, the women’s competition has crowned just two other champs besides Sudo.

— Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 4 July 2026

Definition of beginnings

Noun

The lethality of the Russian assaults on Kyiv in the past week displays the challenge Ukraine faces in protecting its capital as Russia innovates and steps up its attacks.

— Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 7 July 2026
Rubicon focuses on targeting Ukrainian drone crews, electronic warfare systems and logistics routes located 10 to 40 kilometers behind the front, rather than directly supporting assaults, according to Lee and Putiata.

— David Kirichenko, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

Definition of assaults

Noun

Golden Tempo has three wins and two third place finishes in five career starts while earning $4,633,000 on the track.

— Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026
Kaitlyn Chen scored 16 points and Kayla Thornton added 15 as hot starts to the second and fourth quarters led them to victory.

— Michael Nowels, Mercury News, 9 July 2026

Definition of starts

Noun

After Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids in Los Angeles, several people filed a lawsuit in July 2025 alleging authorities questioned them without justification.

— Bart Jansen, USA Today, 1 July 2026
The raids were part of Operation Broken Blade, a federal crackdown on activity along the Figueroa corridor.

— Austin Turner, CBS News, 1 July 2026

Definition of raids

Noun

Russia appeared to be flexing its military muscle in a show of force with its latest aerial onslaughts on Ukraine.

— ABC News, ABC News, 13 May 2026
Wardley, 31, had never lost in 21 bouts before Saturday, and somehow withstood numerous onslaughts from Dubois (23-3) without ever touching the canvas in a remarkable display of courage.

— Chris McKenna, New York Times, 9 May 2026

Definition of onslaughts

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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“Onsets.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/onsets. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of onsets

noun

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