ONSET Synonyms: 123 Similar and Opposite Words

onset

noun

ˈȯn-ˌset

Definition of onset

as in attack

the act or action of setting upon with force or violence the walls withstood the onset of the first battalion

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in beginning

the point at which something begins the claim that if you take enough vitamin C at the onset of a cold, you'll often recover faster

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of onset Authorities warned against hiking this route this time of year due to deteriorating conditions and the onset of winter weather. — Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026 At the onset, Marianne is 19, Elinor is 16 and Margaret is 13. — Mya Copeland, Variety, 17 Oct. 2026 The leaner dogs also had delayed onset of chronic disease and less severe osteoarthritis. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Oct. 2026 The owner of one of the largest natural gas providers in Russia not managed by the state, Mikhelson became one the first individuals to be sanctioned in the UK shortly after the war’s onset. — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for onset

Recent Examples of Synonyms for onset

Noun

The claim that Ukraine has halted its strikes on energy sites could not be independently verified, but neither Russian officials nor media have reported Ukrainian attacks on oil refineries since the energy truce was announced.

— HANNA ARHIROVA, Arkansas Online, 14 Oct. 2026
Before the current attacks, the airport handled roughly 110,000 passengers a day — similar in scale to Miami International airport.

— Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of attack

Noun

So, Ohtani kept trying to work his way back to the mound for weeks after receiving a lubricating Orthovisc injection in his knee at the beginning of the All-Star break.

— Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
The October introduction marks the beginning of a broader evolution for Lune+Aster, with additional innovation planned across complexion, eye and lip categories through 2027.

— Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of beginning

Noun

Mace and Bryant were not yet engaged at the time of the October 2018 assault.

— MEG KINNARD, Arkansas Online, 15 Oct. 2026
On Tuesday, the DA’s Office charged Gonzalez with assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury, elder abuse, vandalism and battery.

— Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of assault

Noun

Alongside the attack on the GFS Galaxy, the weekend onslaught on Hormuz shipping also hit two crude oil tankers and three refined product tankers.

— Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
Officials are also continuing to monitor coastal homes that were red- and yellow-tagged during the weekend onslaught.

— Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of onslaught

Noun

Feds seize 'Squad' member's phone in raid linked to immigration fraud probe.

— , FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026
An area attorney and former chief public defender who was arrested earlier this year on multiple felony drug charges after a raid on his residence was arrested again early Monday on drug and gun charges following a traffic stop.

— Steven Mross, Arkansas Online, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of raid

Browse Nearby Words

onrushes

onset

onsets

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Style

“Onset.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/onset. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of onset

noun

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