Synonyms of rape

rape 1 of 2

noun

ˈrāp 

1

as in violation

the act of forcing a person to engage in sexual activity and especially intercourse

an international law defining rape as a war crime

Synonyms & Similar Words

• violation
• assault
• sexual assault
• ravishment

2

as in kidnapping

the unlawful or forcible carrying away of a person or animal

the legend of the rape of the Sabine women by the ancient Romans was frequently depicted in classical art

Synonyms & Similar Words

• kidnapping
• abduction
• hijacking
• snatch
• seizure
• impressment
• shanghaiing

rape

2 of 2

verb

as in to violate

to engage in sexual activity and especially intercourse with a person unwilling or unable to give consent

the defendant accused of raping the victim

Synonyms & Similar Words

• violate
• assault
• force
• ravish

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of rape

Noun

What comes next, though the narrator continues to use us rather than I, is clearly an account of frequent marital rape. — Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026

The execution of Duckett, a former police officer who was convicted of the 1987 rape and murder of an 11-year-old girl, was scheduled for noon Eastern, according to the outlets. — Liam Quinn, PEOPLE, 28 July 2026

The post mocked a Dooley operative whose wife attempted suicide after accusing former NBC host Matt Lauer of rape. — Tia Mitchell, AJC.com, 27 July 2026

The Tate brothers were arrested in Romania in 2023 and formally indicted on charges of human trafficking, rape and forming an organized criminal group, but their case has yet to proceed to trial. — Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 27 July 2026

Franklin said the handprints are meant to represent the 84% of Indigenous women who experience violence, rape or murder in their lifetime and the 8% of Indigenous men who experience violence and murder in their lifetime. — Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado july 27, Sacbee.com, 27 July 2026

The former head of Miss Hall’s School is accused of prioritizing the Massachusetts school’s reputation when failing to investigate concerns about a former teacher who has been charged with rape. — Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 24 July 2026

Another woman accused Tristan Tate of rape and assault during a long-term relationship that began in 2012. — James Powel, USA Today, 24 July 2026

He had previously been charged on 10 counts including rape, bodily harm, human trafficking and prostitution. — Conor Murray, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

Verb

But our excitement fades as Nolan’s camera captures the men raping women, looting houses and reveling in the violence. — Brent Lang, Variety, 21 July 2026

Fischer was accused of raping a woman during a date on his yacht, Lion King. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 21 July 2026

But Nolan also throws a meditative new wrinkle into the story, as Odysseus comes to grips with his role in the Trojan War, leading the charge as his men raped, murdered and pillaged in his name. — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 18 July 2026

The original case dates back to the early hours of May 8, 1981, when Sebold, then a Syracuse University freshman, was brutally raped in a park near campus. — Joaquin Sapien, ProPublica, 17 July 2026

Gérald Marie potentially raped dozens of young women between the 1980s and the 2000s, acting with a sense of total impunity and within an utterly intolerable culture of rape. — Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 17 July 2026

Patty was never seen again because, prosecutors say, Sochor raped and killed her at the side of a deserted road. — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026

Investigators say Carpenter’s Filipino companion was raped in the attack. — Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026

The sheriff said Lawhead was sentenced to spend 19 years in prison for brutally attacking a 71-year-old grandmother and raping her 11-year-old granddaughter in 1980 in Sacramento County. — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026