Synonym Chooser

How is the word collision different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of collision are concussion, impact, and shock. While all these words mean "a forceful, even violent contact between two or more things," collision implies the coming together of two or more things with such force that both or all are damaged or their progress is severely impeded.

the collision damaged the vehicle

In what contexts can concussion take the place of collision?

The synonyms concussion and collision are sometimes interchangeable, but concussion when not in technical use, often suggests the shattering, disrupting, or weakening effects of a collision, explosion, or blow.

bystanders felt the concussion of the blast

When could impact be used to replace collision?

In some situations, the words impact and collision are roughly equivalent. However, impact may be used to imply contact between two things, at least one of which is impelled toward the other.

the glass shattered on impact with the floor

When might shock be a better fit than collision?

The words shock and collision are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, shock often denotes the effect produced by a collision and carries the suggestion of something that strikes or hits with force.

the shock of falling rocks

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of collision Colapinto was involved in a free practice collision with Tsunoda, which resulted in fans targeting the Japanese driver. Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 June 2025 Here’s some good news: Our galaxy may not be destined to end in a fiery collision with the Andromeda galaxy as soon as previously thought. Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 21 June 2025 Commercial motor vehicles are not eligible, and both parties involved in the collision must agree to use the program. Natalia Jaramillo, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 June 2025 Other wildlife encounters, which could include collisions with animals or maneuvers taken to avoid them, totaled 46 crashes during that time, none of which were fatal. Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for collision
Recent Examples of Synonyms for collision
Noun
  • Detaching parts may pose a hazard to other road users and increase the risk of crashes, according to the NHTSA report.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 25 June 2025
  • No injuries or hazardous materials leaks were reported after the crash near Cannery Avenue, according to Deputy Chief Khalilah Yancey of the Baltimore City Fire Department.
    Racquel Bazos, Baltimore Sun, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • Reports soon emerged indicating Marte was in tears because of a fan yelling something to him about his late mother, who died in a car accident in 2017.
    Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
  • Domino Effect Prevention The domino effect prevention model suggests accidents result from interconnected events, each like a falling domino that sets off the next.
    Aleksandr Yampolskiy, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • The majority of those injured at Soroka were hurt while seeking shelter or suffered from shock.
    Amanda Castro Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025
  • In the age of Trump’s global tariffs, Beijing is unleashing an export shock across the globe.
    Kristina Karisch, The Hill, 19 June 2025
Noun
  • All lanes of eastbound I-70 were closed for about 2 1/2 hours while police investigated the fatal wreck.
    Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 19 June 2025
  • The wreck put Mustacchio in the hospital for 18 days and ultimately cost her a kidney.
    Stephen Hudak, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 June 2025
Noun
  • There’s even a chance none of the picks Edmonton makes at the 2025 draft will ever make an impact in the NHL.
    Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 22 June 2025
  • An overwhelming majority of them, 81%, also want an exclusive theatrical window on new releases lasting at least six weeks, while 77% believe that day-and-date streaming releases have a negative impact on the theatrical model.
    J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 22 June 2025
Noun
  • But while global markets are expected to see an initial jolt, there are other mitigating factors that could soften the blow.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 22 June 2025
  • Disney had anticipated that E-na’s atypical nature might be a jolt to audiences.
    Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 19 June 2025
Noun
  • As its infectious message, hip hop hook, gentle-against-forceful thump, radiates further into the zeitgeist expect it be heard everywhere.
    Jed Gottlieb, Boston Herald, 15 June 2025
  • The only noise was the low thump from a boombox in front of a boba shop.
    Kaitlyn Huamani, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2025
Noun
  • Plus, the doors have a magnetic closure to prevent any startling slams.
    Jacqueline Tempera, People.com, 22 June 2025
  • Jarren Duran’s leadoff shot, Mayer’s two homers and a go-ahead solo slam over the Green Monster from Abraham Toro in the fifth helped the Red Sox to a 4-3 win over the Tampa Bay Rays.
    Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 12 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Collision.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/collision. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on collision

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!