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

News outlets uncovered years-old comments on Reddit that appeared to endorse political violence, dismiss rape in the military, criticize rural Americans and use anti-gay slurs. — Kimberlee Kruesi, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026

The trial — and Pelicot’s decision to waive her anonymity — prompted a reckoning over rape culture in France and beyond. — ABC News, 8 July 2026

Show actor Danny Masterson in 2013 following him being sentenced to 30 years in prison after being found guilty of forcible rape. — Jaeden Pinder, Rolling Stone, 8 July 2026

Its New York chapter’s response to the October 7 mass murder and mass rape of Israeli civilians was to blame Israel for provoking the attacks. — David Brooks, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026

Several reporters tried to ask about the rape allegations, but their questions were not addressed. — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026

Court documents show prosecutors accused Fontes of rape a victim incapable of giving consent because of the effect of alcohol, drugs, or other substances. — Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026

Healey pushed to revise the prosecution deadline for rape as part of her annual budget proposal in January. — Willoughby Mariano, ProPublica, 2 July 2026

Mendes under investigation New Zealand police are investigating allegations of rape against Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes, who has started all three of the team’s matches in the World Cup thus far. — Chris Branch, New York Times, 1 July 2026

Verb

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

During those same four months, Sebold’s roommate was raped in their apartment. — ProPublica, 14 July 2026

Gifford was never seen again because, prosecutors say, Sochor raped and killed her at the side of a deserted road. — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026

According to his own brother’s testimony, Sochor raped and murdered Gifford, then hid her body. — Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 13 July 2026

Within hours, Gifford was raped and murdered after Sochor and his brother left the Fort Lauderdale bar with her under the guise of going to breakfast, court records say. — Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 11 July 2026

The 28-year-old was accused of raping a woman in the back of a car after meeting her outside a New Year’s party in London in January 2023. — Alex Ritman, Variety, 10 July 2026

In that film’s story, Insiang (Hilda Koronel) metes out revenge against Dado (Ruel Vernal), her hateful mother’s lover, who rapes her after rejecting his advances. — Lé Baltar, IndieWire, 10 July 2026

Top Boy star Micheal Ward reportedly broke down in tears in court on Friday after being cleared of raping a woman. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 10 July 2026