onslaught

noun

ˈän-ˌslȯt How to pronounce onslaught (audio)
Definition of onslaughtnext
as in attack
the act or action of setting upon with force or violence the massive onslaught of enemy troops caught the country by surprise

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 onslaught As medetomidine spreads across the country, jails that are still inadequately prepared to treat opioid withdrawal alone could face an onslaught of severe cases. — Hannah Harris Green, STAT, 26 June 2026 Torres lamented that the nation’s landmark semiquincentennial comes amid a fever pitch of anti-immigrant sentiment in the United States, marked by a rise in xenophobia and an onslaught of attempts to restrict newcomers here and abroad. — Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026 The onslaught of injuries had already motivated Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer to finalize the Peterson trade with the New York Mets after Wednesday’s Citi Field doubleheader sweep, which further taxed the pitching staff. — Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 28 June 2026 Poles opened their homes to millions of Ukrainian refugees escaping Russia’s onslaught in early 2022, and the NATO member has remained steadfast in its military support for Ukraine and its deeper integration into the European community. — Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for onslaught
Recent Examples of Synonyms for onslaught
  1. attack
  2. assault
  3. offensive
  4. raid
  5. offense
  6. aggression
  7. strike
Noun
  • The British Army also provided protection from attacks by Native American tribes, giving many settlers little reason to support a rebellion.
    — Hank Tester, CBS News, 1 July 2026
  • Twice in recent days, the United States has launched retaliatory strikes on Iran following drone attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
    — Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 30 June 2026
Definition of attack
Noun
  • Indeed, the administration’s assault on Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act intensifies the damage.
    — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • Williams had an extraditable warrant out of Suffolk County, New York, on multiple charges including burglary, strangulation and assault.
    — Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of assault
Noun
  • Israel’s retaliatory offensive in Gaza has killed 73,098 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
    — Wafaa Shurafa, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Ancelotti’s charm offensive is clearly working its magic on his players and the public.
    — Chris Evans, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of offensive
Noun
  • The June 19 raid of the EZ-8 Motel focused on three rooms that were allegedly rented out by operators of a prostitution ring.
    — Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 4 July 2026
  • Netanyahu noted that his brother Yoni was killed in the raid.
    — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Definition of raid
Noun
  • Five of the men face up to three years in prison and/or fines of up to $10,000, prosecutors said, while Castorena faces up to six years in prison and/or fines of up to $10,000 due to a prior strike offense.
    — Jasmine Mendez, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
  • Under the law, moral offenses — including adultery and same-sex relations — can carry penalties of up to 100 lashes.
    — Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
Definition of offense
Noun
  • Ukraine has every right to attack Russia’s military infrastructure that sustains its aggression.
    — David A. Deptula, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • Issues could include insomnia, aggression, difficulty concentrating, sensitivity to psychotropic medication and exacerbation of existing mental illness -- like anxiety, depression and schizophrenia.
    — Mark Prussin, CBS News, 29 June 2026
Definition of aggression
Noun
  • The union would have to give a 10-day notice before a strike can begin.
    — WCCO Staff, CBS News, 2 July 2026
  • The majority of these strikes happen during the summer, causing around 20 fatalities each year, according to the NWS.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2026
Definition of strike

Browse Nearby Words

onsets
onslaught
onslaughts
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Cite this Entry

“Onslaught.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/onslaught. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on onslaught

Nglish: Translation of onslaught for Spanish Speakers

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