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
• licking
• touch
• 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

Police said the woman, driving a silver Honda Accord, fled a minor hit-and-run crash at Elk Grove and Franklin boulevards minutes before the fatal collision at Elk Grove Boulevard and Stonelake Drive on the city’s west side. — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026

The strongest wake signals were detected in more centralised lead-lead collisions, which create more quark-gluon plasma. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 17 July 2026

Police responded Saturday to West Franklin and North Ten Mile Road regarding a vehicle collision in the left turn lane of Franklin, according to probable cause affidavits filed by two officers, Kyle Keillor and Taylor Sherman. — Alex Brizee july 17, Idaho Statesman, 17 July 2026

See The Hatteras Island Lighthouse The Cape Hatteras Light Station protects one of the most hazardous sections of the Atlantic Coast, a 12-mile-long sandbar called Diamond Shoals created by the collision of Gulf Stream and the Virginia Drift. — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 17 July 2026