1
2
as in bombing
to use bombs or artillery against
the enemy shelled the city for days without letup
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of shelling
There was a time when Saudi was shelling big bucks on major cultural projects and institutions.
—
Max Goldbart, Deadline, 1 May 2026
Even during the talks, Afghanistan has accused Pakistan of carrying out shelling across its border on several occasions.
—ABC News, 8 Apr. 2026
Seven people were injured by Russian drones and shelling in the southern city of Nikopol, leaving a 62-year-old in critical condition as the strikes damaged a multistory building and a pharmacy.
—Derek Gatopoulos, Los Angeles Times, 6 Apr. 2026
Although Bichette was outright bad in his opening series, the Mets were still positive in their three-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates, shelling Paul Skenes in the first game of the season and winning two out of three.
—Tyler Erzberger, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2026
Many families pack up and head straight to powdery white sand and clear blue water each March and April, where relaxation (and occasionally shelling) are the only two items on the agenda.
—Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 13 Mar. 2026
Remember Russia shelling the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in southeastern Ukraine, the largest in Europe?
—Javier Blas, Twin Cities, 9 Mar. 2026
Lebanon's state-run National News Agency reported Israeli artillery shelling on several Lebanese villages along the border, including Aid al-Shaab and Beit Lif.
—Arkansas Online, 5 Mar. 2026
Just offshore, Shell Island, a seven-mile barrier island reachable by shuttle or boat, is known for shelling, dolphin sightings, and uncrowded sands.
—Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 5 Mar. 2026
Max Goldbart, Deadline, 1 May 2026
Even during the talks, Afghanistan has accused Pakistan of carrying out shelling across its border on several occasions.
—ABC News, 8 Apr. 2026
Seven people were injured by Russian drones and shelling in the southern city of Nikopol, leaving a 62-year-old in critical condition as the strikes damaged a multistory building and a pharmacy.
—Derek Gatopoulos, Los Angeles Times, 6 Apr. 2026
Although Bichette was outright bad in his opening series, the Mets were still positive in their three-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates, shelling Paul Skenes in the first game of the season and winning two out of three.
—Tyler Erzberger, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2026
Many families pack up and head straight to powdery white sand and clear blue water each March and April, where relaxation (and occasionally shelling) are the only two items on the agenda.
—Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 13 Mar. 2026
Remember Russia shelling the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in southeastern Ukraine, the largest in Europe?
—Javier Blas, Twin Cities, 9 Mar. 2026
Lebanon's state-run National News Agency reported Israeli artillery shelling on several Lebanese villages along the border, including Aid al-Shaab and Beit Lif.
—Arkansas Online, 5 Mar. 2026
Just offshore, Shell Island, a seven-mile barrier island reachable by shuttle or boat, is known for shelling, dolphin sightings, and uncrowded sands.
—Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 5 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shelling
Verb
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The peeling wallpaper in the bedroom of Nataliia and Valerii’s apartment on Lesi Ukrainky Street in Pripyat.—
Lizzie Johnson,
New Yorker,
25 Apr. 2026
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Starting low and building up gives your skin time to develop tolerance without the irritation, peeling or redness that can come from using retinoids too aggressively.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Now, the president’s not only banning Iran but also bombing it, to the tune of a $25-billion war.—
Lorraine Ali,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2026
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Yesterday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Israeli military personnel that the terms of the ceasefire with Lebanon allow Israel to continue bombing throughout the country.—
Mustafa Qadri,
CNN Money,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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From the ungodly stuff leading to success, to setting a postseason record for appearances, to barking like a dog to fire up teammates, Varland is settling in.—
Dan Hayes,
New York Times,
1 May 2026
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Varland endeared himself to the fanbase with his electric stuff and habit of barking at teammates, cameras and anyone in sight.—
Betsy Helfand,
Twin Cities,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shelling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shelling. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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