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.
The Minnesota Wild, led by Quinn Hughes’ outstanding two-goal night, held on through a late-game onslaught. James Mirtle, New York Times, 1 May 2026 This onslaught has led to a musical chairs of lawsuits and settlements—and, occasionally, partnerships—between the Big Three labels and the AI startups attempting to crib their artists’ styles. Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 29 Apr. 2026 The Association has pushed for higher participation during the 82-game onslaught, going as far as to mandate players play 65 games to be eligible for the season-long awards and fining teams for resting players in certain situations. Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 25 Apr. 2026 The biggest factor fueling the high school record onslaught isn’t the shoes, Loftus said. Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 25 Apr. 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 4 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

onslaught

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

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