1
as in attacked
to criticize harshly and usually publicly
the union organizers assailed the chemical company for failing to provide a safe working environment
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in assaulted
to take sudden, violent action against
the small birds assailed the larger one that had threatened their nest
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of assailed
The incident has raised suspicions here of a much broader involvement in Mexico by the CIA, an agency long assailed in Latin America because of its decades-long involvement in coups, assassination attempts and other undercover actions.
—
Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026
In the years following the departure of Ailes, many critics further assailed the network for eroding any line between news reporting and commentary and political advocacy.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 Apr. 2026
Election officials and experts assailed the review, done by the security firm Cyber Ninjas—which made claims about the election process that were disputed by state and county election officials—as deeply flawed and partisan.
—Sarah Fitzpatrick, The Atlantic, 10 Mar. 2026
California law restricts when local enforcement can coordinate with ICE in making such arrests, and federal officials and Republicans have assailed the policy for hindering immigration enforcement.
—Ethan Varian, Mercury News, 8 Mar. 2026
In announcing the Pentagon’s agreement with Scouting America, the defense secretary assailed the group for welcoming transgender children but stopped short of saying they would be denied entry.
—Tara Copp, Washington Post, 27 Feb. 2026
Alongside Palasciano, speakers assailed the influx of Indian Americans, from accusing them of snatching the American Dream to criticizing their driving skills and even blaming them for traffic.
—Sarah Bahari, Dallas Morning News, 16 Feb. 2026
Emotions were hot during a House Judiciary Committee hearing this past week where Bondi was assailed by lawmakers from both sides of the aisle, who accused the Justice Department of redacting the names of multiple men for political reasons.
—Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026
Trump chose Powell to lead the Fed in 2017 but this year has relentlessly assailed him for not cutting interest rates quickly enough.
—Christopher Rugaber, Fortune, 31 Jan. 2026
Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026
In the years following the departure of Ailes, many critics further assailed the network for eroding any line between news reporting and commentary and political advocacy.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 Apr. 2026
Election officials and experts assailed the review, done by the security firm Cyber Ninjas—which made claims about the election process that were disputed by state and county election officials—as deeply flawed and partisan.
—Sarah Fitzpatrick, The Atlantic, 10 Mar. 2026
California law restricts when local enforcement can coordinate with ICE in making such arrests, and federal officials and Republicans have assailed the policy for hindering immigration enforcement.
—Ethan Varian, Mercury News, 8 Mar. 2026
In announcing the Pentagon’s agreement with Scouting America, the defense secretary assailed the group for welcoming transgender children but stopped short of saying they would be denied entry.
—Tara Copp, Washington Post, 27 Feb. 2026
Alongside Palasciano, speakers assailed the influx of Indian Americans, from accusing them of snatching the American Dream to criticizing their driving skills and even blaming them for traffic.
—Sarah Bahari, Dallas Morning News, 16 Feb. 2026
Emotions were hot during a House Judiciary Committee hearing this past week where Bondi was assailed by lawmakers from both sides of the aisle, who accused the Justice Department of redacting the names of multiple men for political reasons.
—Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026
Trump chose Powell to lead the Fed in 2017 but this year has relentlessly assailed him for not cutting interest rates quickly enough.
—Christopher Rugaber, Fortune, 31 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assailed
Verb
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When the newlyweds arrive home, they are attacked by Naz and his henchman (played by Matt Willig).—
Allison DeGrushe,
StyleCaster,
27 Apr. 2026
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On Friday, April 24, cattle breeder Santiago Barrero San Román was attacked by the bull at the San Marcos Festival in the remote southern Spanish town of Beas de Segura, according to El País, ABC and La Razón.—
Gabrielle Rockson,
PEOPLE,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The English wrestler gave Lee a hug in the middle of the ring, but assaulted her.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
27 Apr. 2026
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Karzoun was assaulted near a shopping area on North Eagleville Road in the early morning hours after the large party was broken up at Carriage House by Connecticut State Police and the UConn Police Department.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Krebs slammed the puck home to give Buffalo a 1-0 lead.—
Fluto Shinzawa,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Carlsson slammed a shot off Ingram’s right pad that Granlund popped home for his first goal of the spring.—
Andrew Knoll,
Oc Register,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The film subsequently triggered an investigation into the nature of the relationship between Michael and Arvizo, and, in November 2003, more than 40 police officers raided Neverland Ranch, per The Guardian.—
Nicole Briese,
PEOPLE,
26 Apr. 2026
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Earlier this month, police raided the offices of Novaya Gazeta, the independent newspaper whose co-founder won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021.—
Nathan Hodge,
CNN Money,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Leon scolded Justice Department attorneys for arguing that the entire project needed to go forward for national security reasons, before previously distinguishing between the bunker below ground and the ballroom above ground.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
16 Apr. 2026
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Government officials scolded young people for the signs of disrespect.—
Justin Spike,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The mentalist was perhaps moments away from climbing inside the mind of the president on Saturday night when a 31-year-old teacher from Los Angeles stormed toward the White House Correspondents’ Dinner with two guns and fired at law enforcement.—
Ethan Shanfeld,
Variety,
26 Apr. 2026
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Police said the suspect had a shotgun, a handgun and knives, and stormed the lobby, running past security barricades as Secret Service agents raced toward him.—
Calvin Woodward,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Eberechi Eze hit the post moments later after some dazzling footwork, before Erling Haaland struck the decisive goal for City five minutes later.—
Mark Carey,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
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He was struck by the team’s new facilities and the leadership in the organization.—
Doug Kyed,
Boston Herald,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Assailed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assailed. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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