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

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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

However, the continuation of attacks between the US and Iran could pose challenges to China’s economy.

— Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
The response has been hampered by a funding gap, attacks on health centers, and an ongoing conflict in eastern Congo, as well as mistrust among local communities.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 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

Russia has been doing this since the start of the war, terrorizing Ukrainian cities with aerial assaults that have killed thousands of civilians and crippled much of the country’s energy grid for months on end.

— Joshua Yaffa, New Yorker, 15 July 2026
Her case may finally move forward in court after a recent Charlotte Observer investigation about assaults on CATS bus drivers prompted the district attorney to reexamine the incident.

— Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 15 July 2026

Definition of assaults

Noun

Freeling is clearly the long-term play, but for at least Week 1, Walker makes as much sense as anyone, particularly with the Panthers’ tendency to get off to slow starts during the Young-Canales era.

— MIKE KAYE, Charlotte Observer, 15 July 2026
The brain-squeezing rush of those starts is nearly indescribable.

— Lawrence Ulrich, Robb Report, 15 July 2026

Definition of starts

Noun

Immigration raids and wildfires dissuaded tourists from visiting, and even Canadian tourists who typically make up the largest number of foreign visitors to California dropped 21%.

— Lily Wright, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
Now, while they can still be found in raids as rare loot for free, the coins will automatically be stashed in your TarCoin wallet, and added to your balance.

— Mike Stubbs, Forbes.com, 10 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 17 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of onsets

noun

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