as in attacks
to take sudden, violent action against
the muggers pounced on the unsuspecting tourists as soon as they rounded the corner
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pounces (on or upon)
Verb
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The man attacks the woman with the hammer multiple times before stepping over her unmoving body and walking away out of the frame of the camera.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
11 Apr. 2026 -
She was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa — an eye disease that causes vision loss — and lupus, a disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s healthy tissues and organs instead of fighting germs, according to court records.—
Chase Jordan
April 10,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The Pios’ culture assaults the senses the moment players step onto campus.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
13 Apr. 2026
-
The White House told ProPublica that anyone who assaults federal immigration agents would be prosecuted.—
Nicole Foy,
ProPublica,
18 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Some owls will hunt the wildlife that raids our garbage cans, like skunks and opossums.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
13 Mar. 2026
-
More news to know now FBI raids Atlanta election facility.—
Nicole Fallert,
USA Today,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Inflamed by Ratansen’s adviser’s account of Padmavati’s beauty, Alauddin Khalji storms the fortress by treachery rather than valor.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
9 Apr. 2026
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But in the moment, no one seems more upset by the confession than Rachel, who storms away despite her prior promises not to judge.—
Mike Miller,
Entertainment Weekly,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The economy has not bounced back following shutdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by the twin labor strikes three years ago.—
Meg James,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Despite their questionable politics, something about the Millers’ wholesome, Christian contentment strikes a chord with Rue.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
13 Apr. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Pounces (on or upon).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pounces%20%28on%20or%20upon%29. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
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