Synonyms of bombard

bombard

verb

bäm-ˈbärd 

1

as in to bomb

to use bombs or artillery against

the Allies bombarded Germany for a great many months during World War II

Synonyms & Similar Words

• bomb
• attack
• shell
• batter
• blitz
• blitzkrieg
• ravage
• cannonade
• assault
• assail
• hit
• strafe
• pound
• rake
• devastate
• enfilade
• strike

2

as in to barrage

to attack with a rapid or overwhelming outpouring of many things at once

reporters bombarded the company spokesman with sharp questions

Synonyms & Similar Words

• barrage
• flood
• bomb
• interrogate
• question
• examine
• harass
• inundate
• annoy
• pester
• pump
• quiz
• grill
• query
• cross-examine
• debrief
• hound
• catechize

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb bombard contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of bombard are assail, assault, attack, and storm. While all these words mean "to make an onslaught upon," bombard applies to attacking with bombs or shells.

bombarded the city nightly

When is assail a more appropriate choice than bombard?

While the synonyms assail and bombard are close in meaning, assail implies attempting to break down resistance by repeated blows or shots.

assailed the enemy with artillery fire

When could assault be used to replace bombard?

While in some cases nearly identical to bombard, assault suggests a direct attempt to overpower by suddenness and violence of onslaught.

commandos assaulted the building from all sides

When might attack be a better fit than bombard?

The words attack and bombard can be used in similar contexts, but attack implies taking the initiative in a struggle.

plan to attack the town at dawn

When can storm be used instead of bombard?

The meanings of storm and bombard largely overlap; however, storm implies attempting to break into a defended position.

preparing to storm the fortress

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of bombard

Yet the current system, where kids are bombarded by tests and parents by test scores, has real limitations. —Abby McCloskey, Twin Cities, 12 Apr. 2026

Congressional offices were bombarded with phone calls and emails this week, largely from people alarmed by the president’s rhetoric. —Stephen Groves, Fortune, 9 Apr. 2026

The talks come as Israel has heavily bombarded Lebanon, including its capital of Beirut, in a deadly military assault. —Jennifer Hansler, CNN Money, 9 Apr. 2026

This is what happened when Comal Pieper, bombarded by a relentless attack all game by a dominant Frisco Wakeland, squeaked off with a 1-0 win Friday at Birkelbach Field in the UIL Class 5A Division II championship game. —Staff Writter, Dallas Morning News, 8 Apr. 2026

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!