Synonyms of collision

collision

noun

kə-ˈli-zhən 

1

as in crash

a forceful coming together of two things

the collision of two opposing philosophies regarding the rearing of children

Synonyms & Similar Words

• crash
• shock
• impact
• jolt
• thump
• slam
• concussion
• bump
• blow
• encounter
• pounding
• impingement
• contact
• slap
• kick
• strike
• jounce
• hit
• knock
• punch
• jar
• smash
• wallop
• buffet
• thrashing
• hammering
• rap
• battering
• bashing
• pummelling
• touch
• licking
• meeting
• pummeling
• clobbering
• bludgeoning
• lambasting

2

as in accident

the violent coming together of two bodies into destructive contact

a horrendous car collision on the highway

Synonyms & Similar Words

• crash
• accident
• wreck
• smashup
• concussion
• pileup
• smash
• crack-up
• destruction
• ruin
• demolishment

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

Recent Examples of collision

The collision happened at the intersection of Green Bay Road and Saratoga Street, according to the coroner’s office. —Clifford Ward, Chicago Tribune, 6 Mar. 2025

Now, after a series of near misses and a shocking midair collision in Washington, D.C. that killed 67 people, the pressure is on the Trump Administration to address rising public fear over air safety. —Danielle Chemtob, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025

Chief among these is the late January midair collision between an American Airlines passenger jet and a military Black Hawk helicopter, which resulted in 67 fatalities. —Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025

The collision shut down the station and closed service between North Berkeley and Richmond for nearly four hours. —Rick Hurd, The Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2025