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.
Following Monday’s onslaught, the Cubs now lead the league in slugging, on-base percentage and OPS and are fourth in team batting average. — Johnny Flores Jr, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026 The gauge data are considered preliminary as the geological survey and weather service work to verify the totals and examine any potential equipment failures during the sudden onslaught of the water. — Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026 The onslaught included Modrzewski's 68-yard touchdown run late in the first quarter that was followed by his 61-yard touchdown pass to Jones-Logan on the second play of the Coyotes' next drive. — ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026 In fact, reported evidence suggests this software commitment (from a company making its revenue from hardware) has been crucial to Nvidia’s success in fending off onslaughts from other hardware vendors such as Intel. — Nisha Talagala, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

onslaught

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