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

In recent years and as online culture changed, Hilton toned down his public attacks and appeared to embrace fatherhood and adopt a kinder public persona, even integrating more family-friendly content on his site.

— Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 5 Aug. 2026
Russia set new wartime records for both the scale and pace of its missile attacks on Ukraine in July, according to data released by the Ukrainian Air Force.

— Katya Soldak, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of attacks

Noun

Chicagoans hear reports of assaults on trains and violent robberies in places like Wicker Park and mass shootings on the South and West sides, which have also crept into the Loop.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 2026
Phillips was considered the most gifted running back prospect of his generation but domestic violence, assaults, probation violations, prison sentences, and ultimately a murder charge overshadowed the talent.

— Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of assaults

Noun

Kremer has allowed 12 home runs in seven starts this year, avoiding a home run in only one of those turns and ceding multiple homers in three of them.

— Josh Shepardson, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026
The two-time All-Star was 0-4 in his final seven starts for New York and hasn’t won since pitching five innings in an 8-1 victory over the Braves on June 14.

— ABC News, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of starts

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 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 7 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of onsets

noun

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