1
as in assault
the act or action of setting upon with force or violence
The USS Constitution was nicknamed "Old Ironsides" after its oaken hull successfully withstood a British attack
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in bout
a sudden experiencing of a physical or mental disorder
malaria is characterized by periodic attacks of chills and fever
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to assault
to take sudden, violent action against
our dog unexpectedly attacked the mailman, sinking his teeth into the startled man's leg
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to slam
to criticize harshly and usually publicly
the mayor and all his aides were attacked mercilessly in the press when the scandal erupted
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to approach
to start work on energetically
Courtney attacked the huge mess in her room with determination and enthusiasm
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of attack
Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 3 Apr. 2026
But the failure of airport security to prevent the 9/11 attacks drove the federal takeover of passenger screening and the creation of TSA.
—Kelly Yamanouchi, AJC.com, 25 Mar. 2026
Zack Sharf, Variety, 2 Apr. 2026
Fleetwood Mac musician Lindsey Buckingham was allegedly attacked by a woman during a recent outing in Santa Monica, California, according to reports.
—Edward Segarra, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for attack
Noun
Shaquille Coke, 31, pleaded not guilty at his March 24 arraignment in Nassau County court on charges including first-degree assault in connection with the 2021 attack on a 21-year-old woman outside her Elmont home.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 3 Apr. 2026
But the failure of airport security to prevent the 9/11 attacks drove the federal takeover of passenger screening and the creation of TSA.
—Kelly Yamanouchi, AJC.com, 25 Mar. 2026
Verb
Trump reacted by attacking Springsteen over his physical appearance and urging his MAGA fanbase to boycott the tour.
—Zack Sharf, Variety, 2 Apr. 2026
Fleetwood Mac musician Lindsey Buckingham was allegedly attacked by a woman during a recent outing in Santa Monica, California, according to reports.
—Edward Segarra, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for attack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attack
Noun
-
At present, as America's military aggression and assault continue with full force, all our efforts and resources are devoted to defending Iran's very existence.—
Lucia I Suarez Sang,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
-
After investigating the shooting, Boston Police detectives were able to obtain a warrant for the suspect out of Suffolk County Juvenile Court for several gun charges and armed assault to murder.—
Colleen Cronin,
Boston Herald,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
In 2025, the Lions lost a lot of high scoring games, but with Monroe’s consistent pitching success, the team is more well-rounded with an ability to win close, low scoring bouts.—
Charles Baggarly
April 2,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Brooks, for his part, equivocated … A bout of frantic rebranding ensued.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The couple had four eggs this season, but two were destroyed when their nest was raided by ravens.—
Dean Fioresi,
CBS News,
4 Apr. 2026
-
After the service at Kheimeh Molaghat, over coffee and sweets in the church fellowship hall, Bahraman recounted how armed Iranian forces raided the home of his parents about 15 years ago, because their family had converted to Christianity.—
Angie Leventis Lourgos,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
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On this postcard-perfect corner of Canada’s northeastern province of Newfoundland and Labrador that’s slammed by wind and waves, cod-fishing communities hold on to their distinctive settler history.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 Apr. 2026
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On Sunday, the president of the American Federation of Government Employees slammed Congress for leaving Washington for the Easter/Passover break without reaching an agreement on funding DHS.—
Corky Siemaszko,
NBC news,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
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By Easter Sunday, another cold front will approach the region with a line of showers and storms developing ahead of it.—
Bill Kelly,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Do not approach water, wet objects, or metal items.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Netanyahu’s announcement is likely to intensify fears that Israel intends to model its invasion of southern Lebanon on its yearslong military offensive in the Gaza Strip.—
Charlene Gubash,
NBC news,
30 Mar. 2026
-
The Rapid Support Forces and their allies in the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement–North launched a major offensive on Saturday on Dilling, the capital of South Kordofan province.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Bianco previously said that the investigation — and the seizure of more than 650,000 ballots cast in the November election — was legal and approved by a Riverside County judge.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
31 Mar. 2026
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His serious health issues began in 2023 — loss of appetite, shaky hands, chills, severe anxiety, recurring nightmares and small seizures during sleep.—
Ryan Brennan,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
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UConn Huskies stormed back from the dead, erasing a massive deficit before freshman Braylon Mullins buried a 35-foot buzzer-beater to seal a stunning 73–72 win in the Elite Eight.—
Rowan Fisher-Shotton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2026
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Fungi aren’t literally storming areas like rain or hail, but storms act as the vehicle while the spores supply the threat.—
Brandi D. Addison,
USA Today,
30 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Attack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attack. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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