1
as in raid
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
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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
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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
Michael D. Shear, New York Times, 22 Mar. 2025
Two Republican critics of Trump, Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger — who both served on the House Select Committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol — were also included in the memo.
—Rebecca Rosman, NPR, 22 Mar. 2025
Justin Worland/bridgetown, TIME, 21 Mar. 2025
Gangs have attacked prominent media outlets, destroyed schools and forced aid workers and diplomats to shelter in place while the few neighborhoods not under gang respond to the alarming violence by erecting barricades.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for attack
Noun
In a telephone call on Tuesday, the Russian leader slammed the brakes on Mr. Trump’s desire for a quick cease-fire agreement between Russia and Ukraine, agreeing only to stop attacks on energy infrastructure.
—Michael D. Shear, New York Times, 22 Mar. 2025
Two Republican critics of Trump, Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger — who both served on the House Select Committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol — were also included in the memo.
—Rebecca Rosman, NPR, 22 Mar. 2025
Verb
Trump entered office in January with an aggressive agenda to attack clean energy and end collaboration on climate change.
—Justin Worland/bridgetown, TIME, 21 Mar. 2025
Gangs have attacked prominent media outlets, destroyed schools and forced aid workers and diplomats to shelter in place while the few neighborhoods not under gang respond to the alarming violence by erecting barricades.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for attack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attack
Noun
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Drone surge The January double-tap attack was part of a wider wave of drone raids, reportedly the biggest of the 37-month wider war for the Ukrainians.—
David Axe,
Forbes,
20 Mar. 2025
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Rather than each episode being filled with heart-pounding action, the series establishes itself with a frantic, stressful raid on Jamie’s house and his subsequent arrest, then dissolves into a crime show that’s much more meticulous and robust beyond the thrills at the top.—
Fran Hoepfner,
Vulture,
18 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Two days before the bout, Brown playfully tried to snatch the belt from Nicolson during a lively news conference, the BBC reported.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
22 Mar. 2025
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Francis has had several bouts with illness and visits to the Gemelli hospital in recent years, including flu-like symptoms last year, bronchitis in March 2023 and abdominal surgery in June 2023 to repair a hernia that kept him in the hospital nine days.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA TODAY,
22 Mar. 2025
Verb
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According to police, Yolanda was captured on surveillance camera allegedly arguing with and physically assaulting Rebecca, then fleeing the residence before her wife’s mother found her.—
Bailey Richards,
People.com,
23 Mar. 2025
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Facebook) Yolanda was seen on surveillance video arguing with Rebecca and physically assaulting her on the day of the fatal stabbing.—
Stephen Sorace,
Fox News,
23 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Ruffin was quick with her answer, slamming the Republican party for her removal from the WHCA dinner.—
Jack Dunn,
Variety,
1 Apr. 2025
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The Kings lost nine of their last 12 games to open the door for the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference play-in race, but that door might have slammed shut Sunday.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
31 Mar. 2025
Verb
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During March 6’s NBA exhibition match between the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks, James approached Smith on the sidelines and confronted him about his comments about Bronny.—
Regina Cho,
VIBE.com,
26 Mar. 2025
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Locksley approached the former Bruin with an opportunity to compete for a starting role following the transfers of Billy Edwards (Wisconsin) and MJ Morris (Coastal Carolina).—
Michael Howes,
Baltimore Sun,
26 Mar. 2025
Noun
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And the recent onslaught of free-agent additions could just be the start of building up a unit that struggled mightily last season.—
Mike Kaye,
Charlotte Observer,
17 Mar. 2025
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Southwest is already preparing its employees for an onslaught of customer luggage at the gate.—
Leslie Josephs,
CNBC,
15 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Investigators had confiscated more than 335 pounds of meth, nearly 9 pounds of heroin, more than 1,500 fentanyl pills and more than $150,000 during the years-long operation before Wednesday’s seizures.—
Darrell Smith,
Sacbee.com,
28 Mar. 2025
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Subsequent seizures then led doctors to find a tumor in her brain, which was supposedly directly related to her original diagnosis.—
Sara Belcher,
People.com,
28 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Israel launched its initial assault on Gaza after Hamas fighters stormed southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.—
Nidal al-Mughrabi,
USA TODAY,
23 Mar. 2025
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The Bulldogs stormed back and cut the lead to one with 29 seconds left after both teams exchanged buckets for several minutes.—
Ryan Morik,
Fox News,
21 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Attack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attack. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.
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