Definitions

sexual assault

[sek-shoo-uhl uh-sawlt] / ˈsɛk ʃu əl əˈsɔlt /

NOUN

sex crime

Synonyms

STRONGEST

molestation rape violation

WEAK

carnal abuse date rape forcible intercourse grope ravishment sex crime sexual abuse sexual offense unlawful sexual intercourse

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He’s the International Criminal Court prosecutor who requested arrest warrants for Israel’s leaders in 2024, shortly after learning he had been accused of sexual assault.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 27, 2026

Trials are about discovering the truth, and a jury should know if a defendant has been accused of rape or sexual assault in the past.

From Slate • Apr. 22, 2026

Even after former Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell dropped out April 12 after multiple women accused him of sexual assault, Democrats are struggling to unite around one candidate.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese apologised for any "misinterpretation" Thursday after describing a sexual assault survivor who became an advocate for women as "difficult".

From Barron's • Feb. 26, 2026

The measure would replace the current system of adjudicating sexual assault by taking the cases outside a victim’s chain of command.

From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker