What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
attacks
Example
The lion launched a fierce attack on its prey. [attack: noun]
Example
The hacker attempted to attack the computer system. [attack: verb]
onslaught
Example
The army launched an onslaught against the enemy forces. [onslaught: noun]
Example
The storm brought an onslaught of heavy rain and strong winds. [onslaught: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Attacks is more commonly used than onslaught in everyday language. Attacks can be used in various contexts, from describing physical assaults to metaphorical attacks. On the other hand, onslaught is less common and tends to be used in more dramatic or intense situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between attacks and onslaught?
While attacks can be used in both formal and informal contexts, onslaught is generally associated with a more formal or literary tone.
