Onset — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈȯn-ˌset/ on·set

Meaning & Definition of Onset

Onset (noun)

  1. attack, assault
  2. beginning, commencement

Onset (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the act or action of setting upon with force or violence

    "the walls withstood the onset of the first battalion"

    similar: aggression, assault, attack, attempt, blitz, blitzkrieg, charge, coup de main, descent, offense, offensive, onslaught, raid, rush, strike
    related: ambuscade, ambush, counteraggression, counterassault, counterattack, counteroffensive, counterstrike, sally, sortie, envelopment, flanking, breakthrough, foray, incursion, invasion, pillage, ravage, sack, air raid, bombardment, bombing, siege, storm, barrage, cannonade, fusillade, hail, salvo, volley, whammy
    near: defense, defensive, guard, shield, opposition, resistance, protection, security, shelter

  2. 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"

    similar: alpha, baseline, beginning, birth, commencement, dawn, day one, genesis, get-go, inception, incipience, incipiency, kickoff, launch, morning, nascence, nascency, outset, start, threshold
    related: drawing board, first base, ground zero, square one, creation, founding, inauguration, initiation, institution, origination, cradle, fountain, fountainhead, germ, origin, root, seedbed, source, spring, well, wellspring, dawning, opening, advent, appearance, arrival, debut, emergence, childhood, infancy, youth
    opposite: close, conclusion, end, ending, omega
    near: cessation, closing, closure, completion, finale, finish, period, stop, termination, windup

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Onset

The most common words with a similar meaning to Onset:

aggression, assault, attack, attempt, blitz, blitzkrieg, charge, coup de main, descent, offense, offensive, onslaught, raid, rush, strike, alpha, baseline, beginning, birth, commencement, dawn, day one, genesis, get-go, inception, incipience, incipiency, kickoff, launch, morning, nascence, nascency, outset, start, threshold

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Onset

Words with the opposite meaning of Onset:

close, conclusion, end, ending, omega

Related Words for Onset

ambuscade, ambush, counteraggression, counterassault, counterattack, counteroffensive, counterstrike, sally, sortie, envelopment, flanking, breakthrough, foray, incursion, invasion, pillage, ravage, sack, air raid, bombardment, bombing, siege, storm, barrage, cannonade, fusillade, hail, salvo, volley, whammy

Near Antonyms of Onset

defense, defensive, guard, shield, opposition, resistance, protection, security, shelter, cessation, closing, closure, completion, finale, finish, period, stop, termination, windup

Origin & Etymology of Onset

First known use: circa 1522

Words & Phrases Containing Onset

adult-onset diabetes, juvenile-onset diabetes

Frequently Asked Questions about Onset

What does "Onset" mean?

"Onset" means attack, assault. As a noun, it is defined as: attack, assault. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Onset"?

Other words for "Onset" include aggression, assault, attack, attempt, blitz, blitzkrieg, charge and coup de main. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Onset" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Onset"?

There are 96 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Onset". Common alternatives include aggression, assault, attack, attempt, blitz, blitzkrieg, charge, coup de main, descent and offense.

What is the opposite of "Onset"?

Antonyms of "Onset" include close, conclusion, end, ending and omega. Near antonyms include defense, defensive, guard and shield.

How do you use "Onset" in a sentence?

Examples of "Onset" in a sentence: "the walls withstood the onset of the first battalion"; "the claim that if you take enough vitamin C at the onset of a cold, you'll often recover faster".

Is "Onset" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Onset" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Onset"?

"Onset" is pronounced /ˈȯn-ˌset/ and divided into syllables as on·set.

What is the origin of the word "Onset"?

First known use: circa 1522.