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 The collision happened at the intersection of taxiway M and A, the Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement Thursday morning. Aaron Cooper, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2025 The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said one person suffered non-life threatening injures in the collision. Charlotte Observer, 2 Oct. 2025 This collision with the guardrail launched him into the middle of the roadway, where he was struck by four vehicles. Gillian Stawiszynski, Cincinnati Enquirer, 1 Oct. 2025 Really, there’s nothing normal about the collision of LaRavia’s day job and his passion. Dan Woike, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for collision
Recent Examples of Synonyms for collision
Noun
  • So, a crypto crash will come and may take down our economy with it.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Beyond the mental clarity and razor sharp focus, taking mushrooms like lion’s mane also comes without many of the potential side effects that are typically associated with stimulants like jitters, energy spikes, and mid-day crashes.
    Brianna Peters, Vogue, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • More than 40% of victims of fatal vehicle accidents over the past six years have had elevated levels of THC in their blood, a new study shows.
    Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Its spray and scrub function cleans tough stains, especially unwanted pet accidents.
    Melody Kazel, PEOPLE, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • When the initial wave of shock wore off this morning that Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson are touring as Rush next year, most fans turned their attention to who will be taking on the absurdly difficult task of replacing the late Neil Peart behind the kit.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Friends reacted in shock to the audacity of the man.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In bodycam footage provided by Ory, the gold truck's driver said the woman driving the car behind him caused the wreck after pulling into the other lane to avoid colliding with the back of the truck.
    Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Police said neither alcohol nor drugs appear to be factors in the wreck.
    Fox19 staff, Cincinnati Enquirer, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The show was marred only by an audio mix that dimmed Coleman’s evocative voice amid a wash of instruments — at least from this reviewer’s spot in the Fox — but the Red Clay Strays’ impact shone through nevertheless.
    Brian McCollum, Freep.com, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Tennessean photo journalist Andrew Nelles was recognized with a first place award in environmental photography by the 2025 Green Eyeshade awards for a collection of photos documenting the impacts of Hurricane Helene, which ravaged parts of East Tennessee and Western North Carolina.
    Nashville Tennessean, Nashville Tennessean, 5 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Will his shooting and floater game give enough offensive jolt to add some real spacing around a roster that, even with Kevin Durant, seems notably deficient in terms of spacing?
    John Hollinger, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
  • An economic jolt could be felt in a matter of days.
    Mary Clare Jalonick, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The dramatic thump of the ship’s four electromagnetic catapults which shoot them into the sky is constant and can be heard throughout the ship.
    Matthew Bodner, NBC news, 25 Sep. 2025
  • The Red Sox are in a good spot for their future, but their lineup clearly needs more thump.
    Tim Crowley, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But still, none is a slam-dunk fit, and that leaves the Red Wings in a tough spot.
    Max Bultman, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
  • August 26, 2025 Langeliers’ slam was one of two notable grand slams hit at Sutter Health Park.
    Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 27 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Collision.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/collision. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on collision

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