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.

Vaughan put it to her: "This has nothing to do with you and sexual assault."

From BBC • May 29, 2026

"We continue to encourage anyone who believes they have been a victim of sexual assault, no matter how long ago it happened, to get in touch with us."

From BBC • May 20, 2026

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

The Alliance Against Corporate Abuse, the CAOC-backed coalition pushing the sexual assault measure, has raised more than $68 million from law firms across the state, according to campaign finance records.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 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