Synonyms of onslaught

onslaught

noun

ˈän-ˌslȯt 

as in attack

the act or action of setting upon with force or violence

the massive onslaught of enemy troops caught the country by surprise

Synonyms & Similar Words

• attack
• assault
• offensive
• raid
• offense
• aggression
• strike
• attempt
• bombardment
• onset
• blitzkrieg
• rush
• blitz
• barrage
• incursion
• invasion
• counterattack
• charge
• coup de main
• ambush
• descent
• bombing
• siege
• counteroffensive
• breakthrough
• ambuscade
• foray
• sortie
• envelopment
• volley
• sack
• fusillade
• storm
• salvo
• sally
• counterstrike
• pillage
• air raid
• counterassault
• hail
• cannonade
• counteraggression
• flanking
• ravage
• whammy

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• defense
• resistance
• opposition
• guard
• protection
• shield
• security
• defensive
• shelter

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of onslaught

After forming an alliance with Pogačar — who put on a show even through the typically ceremonial last stage — an exhausted van der Poel faced an onslaught in the final moments but hung on by a thread. — Alex Kirshner, New York Times, 27 July 2026

The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) said the onslaught was a result of the tactics deployed by Myanmar’s new military chief, who took over in late March as his predecessor prepared to become the country’s president. — Reuters, NBC news, 27 July 2026

Meanwhile, Honda is planning the release of a new hybrid system that will better fit larger vehicles, in order to maintain its position in the face of the onslaught. — Robert Ferris, CNBC, 23 July 2026

The onslaught during the pitch for enlisting in the Navy was particularly jarring. — Matt Minton, Variety, 22 July 2026