attack 1 of 2

Definition of attacknext

attack

2 of 2

verb

1
2
3

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb attack contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of attack are assail, assault, bombard, and storm. While all these words mean "to make an onslaught upon," attack implies taking the initiative in a struggle.

plan to attack the town at dawn

When could assail be used to replace attack?

The words assail and attack are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, assail implies attempting to break down resistance by repeated blows or shots.

assailed the enemy with artillery fire

When might assault be a better fit than attack?

Although the words assault and attack have much in common, assault suggests a direct attempt to overpower by suddenness and violence of onslaught.

commandos assaulted the building from all sides

When would bombard be a good substitute for attack?

The synonyms bombard and attack are sometimes interchangeable, but bombard applies to attacking with bombs or shells.

bombarded the city nightly

When can storm be used instead of attack?

While the synonyms storm and attack are close in meaning, storm implies attempting to break into a defended position.

preparing to storm the fortress

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 attack
Noun
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 More than 60 drones targeted Moscow overnight, the city’s mayor said Tuesday, marking another major aerial attack on the Russian capital as Ukraine intensifies its long-range weapons campaign. Elmira Aliieva, NBC news, 30 June 2026
Verb
One of the suspects directed a dog to attack a 54-year-old man while yelling slurs, police said. Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2026 Multiple people have been attacked by alligators across central Florida in the last week, with the most recent attack killing a 31-year-old woman. Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for attack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for 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
Noun
  • The almost two-week-old truce has been under persistent strain, with the latest bout of attacks beginning after an Iranian projectile hit a cargo ship on Thursday, prompting strikes by the US, and then Tehran hitting Washington’s Gulf allies.
    Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 29 June 2026
  • But in the latest bout of public uncertainty, a senior Iranian official suggested this may not be the case.
    Alexander Smith, NBC news, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • Kerr’s home in Florida was raided by the FBI on the same day.
    Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026
  • And try not to raid your retirement savings for a household expense.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • As officers came close, the tow truck slammed on its brakes, causing the squad car to collide with the rear of the truck, the source said.
    Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2026
  • The fatal hit-and-run occurred less than two hours after a 13-year-old boy was killed riding on the back of a moped in Queens after his friend slammed into an open car door and then careened into a moving truck.
    Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • With group play coming to a close and the Round of 32 approaching, the competition is heating up as teams look to punch their tickets to the knockout round in hopes of hoisting the FIFA World Cup Trophy at the final on Sunday, July 19.
    Jaclyn Hendricks, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026
  • Tracy had approached the team about a contract extension late in the 2005 season, a bold request considering the team’s record.
    Liana Handler, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia’s position on Ukraine remains unchanged, insisting that Russian troops are continuing their front-line offensive.
    Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026
  • The move reflects the success of elite drone formations such as Rubicon, which helped blunt Ukraine's offensive into Russia's Kursk region by using drones to disrupt frontline logistics.
    David Kirichenko, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Noun
  • In court documents, O’Hara alleged the defendants violated his First and Fourth Amendment rights, accusing them of unlawfully restricting free speech and initiating an unlawful seizure while using excessive force.
    Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
  • Later Wednesday, Mexico City Health Secretary Nadine Gasman, told a news conference that another man, about 30, was treated by emergency personnel after suffering an epileptic seizure, convulsions, and gastrointestinal bleeding.
    ABC News, ABC News, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • Trump stormed out of a June 7 interview with current moderator Kristen Welker in Wisconsin.
    Jay Stahl, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • The Cavaliers won the 2015-2016 championship in a remarkable series in which Cleveland stormed back from a 3-1 deficit to win in seven games, a first in finals history.
    Austin Turner, CBS News, 30 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Attack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attack. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on attack

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster