onslaught

noun

on·​slaught ˈän-ˌslȯt How to pronounce onslaught (audio)
ˈȯn-
Synonyms of onslaughtnext
: 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.

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.
Her hospital has recently started a menopause support group led by doctors and, at the request of participants, an upcoming session will focus on helping women navigate through the marketing onslaught. ABC News, 6 Apr. 2026 Fathoms is a frictionless listen, but there’s a stubborn sense of craft to it, and that’s what distinguishes it from the streaming-era onslaught of music with little purpose except to be pleasant. Daniel Bromfield, Pitchfork, 6 Apr. 2026 The onslaught, and what spurred it, is complex, Huff said. Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026 An onslaught of advertising is expected in the coming weeks, as county officials prepare to start mailing ballots by May 4. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Onslaught.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/onslaught. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

onslaught

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

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