onslaught

noun

on·​slaught ˈän-ˌslȯt How to pronounce onslaught (audio)
ˈȯn-
Synonyms of onslaught
: an especially fierce attack
… the tremendous onslaught across the Rhine …—Winston Churchill
also : something resembling such an attack
an onslaught of technological changes
Employers are expecting an onslaught of recent college graduates.

Synonyms of onslaught

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Examples of onslaught in a Sentence

an onslaught by the enemy the massive onslaught of enemy troops caught the country by surprise
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
After forming an alliance with Pogačar — who put on a show even through the typically ceremonial last stage — an exhausted van der Poel faced an onslaught in the final moments but hung on by a thread. — Alex Kirshner, New York Times, 27 July 2026 The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) said the onslaught was a result of the tactics deployed by Myanmar’s new military chief, who took over in late March as his predecessor prepared to become the country’s president. — Reuters, NBC news, 27 July 2026 Meanwhile, Honda is planning the release of a new hybrid system that will better fit larger vehicles, in order to maintain its position in the face of the onslaught. — Robert Ferris, CNBC, 23 July 2026 The onslaught during the pitch for enlisting in the Navy was particularly jarring. — Matt Minton, Variety, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for onslaught

Word History

Etymology

modification of Dutch aanslag act of striking; akin to Old English an on and to Old English slēan to strike — more at slay

First Known Use

circa 1625, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of onslaught was circa 1625

Rhymes for onslaught

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Browse Nearby Words

on skid row
onslaught
on someone's account
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Cite this Entry

“Onslaught.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/onslaught. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

onslaught

noun
on·​slaught ˈän-ˌslȯt How to pronounce onslaught (audio)
ˈȯn-
: a violent attack

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Nglish: Translation of onslaught for Spanish Speakers

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