Definition of assailantnext
as in attacker
one who violently sets upon another the darkness prevented me from getting a good look at my assailant

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of assailant Then in 1989, an assailant attacked an elementary school in Stockton, California, using an assault rifle to kill five people and wound 29, prompting public outcry and calls to restrict such weapons. — Robert Spitzer, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2026 Greene-Placentia said she was attacked, subdued and then woke up to find that she was being raped by an unknown assailant. — ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026 Yet, so many of them can’t speak publicly about their assailant or even confide in their parents about what happened to them. — Gretchen Carlson, New York Daily News, 2 Oct. 2026 During the struggle the cockpit door was opened, allowing other passengers to rush in, subdue his assailant, and take control of the plane that was enroute to Tel Aviv. — Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for assailant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assailant
Noun
  • Elor Azaria shot and killed a wounded Palestinian attacker in Hebron.
    — Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Jordanian authorities had not confirmed the number of attackers as of Saturday.
    — James Cirrone, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Any assaulter of mine spending less time on the field is A-OK, though.
    — Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 3 June 2026
  • His alleged assaulter was arrested and jailed Wednesday.
    — Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Assailant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assailant. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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