onslaught
6 synonyms for onslaught, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A fierce, forceful attack.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use onslaught
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
onslaught of criticism
relentless onslaught
face an onslaught
Etymology
From on- + an older word "slaught" related to Dutch aenslag/slag ("a blow, a strike"), linked to the same root as the English weaving term "sley."
Full origin of onslaught →Frequently asked questions
What does “onslaught” mean?
The word “onslaught” means a fierce, forceful attack. In plain terms, a sudden, forceful attack or overwhelming flood of something.
How do you pronounce “onslaught”?
“Onslaught” is pronounced ON-slawt (/ˈɒn.slɔːt/ in IPA).
How do you use “onslaught” in a sentence?
Here is “onslaught” used in a sentence: “The village braced for the onslaught of the invading army.”
What part of speech is “onslaught”?
“Onslaught” is a noun.
Where does the word “onslaught” come from?
The word “onslaught” comes from Dutch. From on- + an older word "slaught" related to Dutch aenslag/slag ("a blow, a strike"), linked to the same root as the English weaving term "sley.".
Is “onslaught” a common word?
“Onslaught” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “onslaught” have?
“Onslaught” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a fierce, forceful attack.
