1
as in rape
the act of forcing a person to engage in sexual activity and especially intercourse
attended a class teaching women self-defense against assault
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in attack
the act or action of setting upon with force or violence
was arrested for his assault of the bystander
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
2
as in to attack
to take sudden, violent action against
was found guilty of assaulting an officer enemy forces assaulted the city
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of assault
Jeanna Smialek, BostonGlobe.com, 30 Jan. 2023
Within days of his assault on White, Seneca allegedly attempted to kidnap a different man and allegedly kidnapped another, the Justice Department said in a previous statement.
—Matt Lavietes, NBC News, 26 Jan. 2023
Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025
The woman sued Combs in the Southern District of New York under the name Jane Doe in October 2024, accusing the mogul of assaulting her at a party in 1995.
—Liam Quinn, People.com, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for assault
Noun
That is why the Fed is taking a cautious stance and trying to avoid pulling back prematurely from its assault on inflation.
—Jeanna Smialek, BostonGlobe.com, 30 Jan. 2023
Within days of his assault on White, Seneca allegedly attempted to kidnap a different man and allegedly kidnapped another, the Justice Department said in a previous statement.
—Matt Lavietes, NBC News, 26 Jan. 2023
Verb
Two students sue DePaul University after alleged antisemitic attack on campus
The plaintiffs in the case, first-year student Max Long and third-year student Michael Kaminsky, allege that on Nov. 6, 2024, they were physically assaulted by two individuals wearing ski masks.
—Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025
The woman sued Combs in the Southern District of New York under the name Jane Doe in October 2024, accusing the mogul of assaulting her at a party in 1995.
—Liam Quinn, People.com, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for assault
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assault
Noun
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Soulja Boy has been ordered to pay a hefty sum to a Jane Doe victim who accused the rapper of rape and assault.—
DeMicia Inman,
VIBE.com,
10 Apr. 2025
-
The data had been filed in a high-profile federal lawsuit involving a 15-year-old girl who said Myers Park High School administrators failed to investigate her on-campus rape.—
Julia Coin,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Apr. 2025
Noun
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There has been a big labor split, however, with carpenters and laborers unions going heavily for Moreno — and waging tough attacks against Aguirre.—
Michael Smolens,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 Apr. 2025
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On Friday, a Russian ballistic missile and drone attack on the city of Kryvyi Rih -- Zelenskyy's home town -- killed 19 people, including nine children.—
David Brennan,
ABC News,
6 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Earlier in the episode, Whitfield and Lindy violate Mabel — then pour hot coffee on her — before Whitfield pushes her down on the breakfast table and rapes her.—
Kimberly Roots,
TVLine,
6 Apr. 2025
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Not the least of which is that the terms of the settlement clearly violate antitrust law, which was the grounds for the lawsuit in the first place.—
Joe Sabin,
Forbes.com,
6 Apr. 2025
Verb
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People were killed after soldiers and paramilitary forces raided the neighborhood of Raboteau after a demonstration in support of former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2025
-
Chit Thu has denied knowing about or benefiting from the scamming and trafficking operations in his territory, and said in a recent press conference that the BGF is raiding the compounds with the aim of eradicating them.—
Teele Rebane,
CNN Money,
2 Apr. 2025
Noun
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His attorneys and family have rejected the government’s claims, calling his detention unjust and a violation of due process.—
Hanna Park,
CNN Money,
8 Apr. 2025
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Executive director Nick Turner told the Bangor Daily News the show hoped to have other characters on stage reference the two Black characters the musical is missing without showing the pair, but was warned that altering the musical’s licensed script would constitute a contract violation .—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Eight minutes of additional time permitted a late Brentford onslaught.—
Chris Waugh,
New York Times,
3 Apr. 2025
-
Trump’s onslaught of tariffs heralds a new industrial policy era in the U.S. where the government will intervene more in free markets, and companies will have less flexibility in their decision making.—
Mayra Rodriguez Valladares,
Forbes.com,
3 Apr. 2025
Verb
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However, no amount of care or good intentions can prevent the sudden demolition of the brothers’ home, courtesy of a vague order from the IDF — for which the family is even forced to pay.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
11 Apr. 2025
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Due to the alligator's aggressive behavior, Department of Natural Resources contractors were forced to euthanize the reptile and remove it from the area.—
Doc Louallen,
ABC News,
10 Apr. 2025
Verb
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After Cooper Flagg knocked down a pair of free throws at the 11:54 mark to give the Blue Devils a 56-42 lead, Houston stormed back with a relentless 28-11 run to complete a stunning rally and punch their ticket to the title game.—
John W. Dean,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Apr. 2025
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Opposition lawmakers have accused Yoon of inciting his most extreme followers to violence, after a pro-Yoon mob stormed and defaced the courthouse that issued his arrest warrant in January.—
Max Kim,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Assault.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assault. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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