Synonyms for assail
Definitions
- v. 1
To attack with harsh words or violent force.
Muggers assailed them as they entered an alley.
Related words
- Word family
- assailable assailant assailer assailment assault
Forms
- Past participle
- assailed
e.g. assailed → attacked, assaulted, impugned, resisted…
Choose the right word
Assail and assault, tho of the same original etymology, have diverged in meaning, so that assault alone retains the meaning of direct personal violence. One may assail another with reproaches; he assaults him with a blow, a brandished weapon, etc.
J. C. Fernald, English Synonyms and Antonyms (1914)
Example sentences
- attack The fortress was secure from every kind of attack.
- assault Tom currently faces charges of aggravated assault.
- impugn The father does not impugn her ability to be a good mother.
- encounter The story of their encounter is somewhat humorous.
- barrage We've recently received a barrage of complaints.
By length
- 4 letters
- jump1, pelt1
- 5 letters
- round1, snipe1
- 6 letters
- attack2, resist2, vilify3, impugn2
- 7 letters
- assault2, barrage2
- 9 letters
- encounter3
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (attack2 = 2 syllables).