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.

Gomez was friends with former California Rep. Eric Swalwell, who earlier this year resigned from Congress and suspended his California gubernatorial campaign after multiple women accused him of sexual assault.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2026

A spokesperson for the California Department of Public Health said the agency does not track how many births result from sexual assault.

From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2026

A company issuing self-swab DNA testing kits to sexual assault victims has had online posts banned for containing misleading information.

From BBC • May 19, 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 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