Thesaurus results for COLLISION

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

collision

noun

kə-ˈli-zhən

Definition of collision

as in crash

a forceful coming together of two things the collision of two opposing philosophies regarding the rearing of children

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as in accident

the violent coming together of two bodies into destructive contact a horrendous car collision on the highway

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 resulting collision is frequently ridiculous, rarely frightening, and strangely sad. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2026 Both investigations are complete, and both make clear that collision avoidance technology must be part of the solution. — ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026 According to the Macomb County Sheriff's Office, a 1981 23-foot Formula Thunderbird and a 1991 28-foot Sea Ray Sundancer were involved in the collision. — Gino Vicci, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026 Marx called it the collision of energy policy and economic policy. — Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for collision

Recent Examples of Synonyms for collision

Noun

The character was killed in a helicopter crash in Amritsar, Indian that also involved the Indian Prime Minister.

— Peter White, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026
After co-headlining with Charli xcx at the peak of Brat Summer, Sivan was struck by his post-show emotional crash, when the roar of stadiums gave way to the quiet of being totally on his own.

— Harry Tafoya, Pitchfork, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of crash

Noun

After her mother is hurt in a car accident, Audrey forms an unlikely bond with Eli (Son Suk-ku), the former wrestler who was behind the wheel.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
Relying on accident assessment methods that the NRC has already approved, the company proved that an equipment breakdown within the turbine building cannot spread into the nuclear core.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of accident

Noun

While Pope Leo's lung cancer diagnosis may have come as a shock to Catholics this week, the prognosis is likely a lot less scary.

— Scott Detrow, NPR, 14 Oct. 2026
The initial shock of this freak accident is well-handled, notably when Jay tries to scramble up the whale’s jawline by climbing its teeth.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of shock

Noun

Ishibashi makes for a resilient and empathetic Junna, even as her character inevitably bears the brunt of much of the film’s divisive moralizing, while Emoto’s Morio is a quivering wreck of fragility and good intentions.

— Guy Lodge, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
That Stage 1 wreck was one of many difficult moments for playoff drivers through the afternoon.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of wreck

Noun

Energy-absorbing seats are designed to manage forces transmitted to occupants during an impact, potentially reducing injury risks.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
Sullivan denied that the law would cut Medicaid for Alaskans, saying the Affordable Care Act had a greater impact and raised insurance premiums in the state drastically.

— Matthew Choi The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of impact

Noun

In August of 2022, for example, more than a dozen people were injured after experiencing a violent jolt during the ride, according to court filings and state records reviewed by CNN.

— Blake Ellis, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2026
Majidi’s victory on Thursday night also gives Midday Meal an instantaneous jolt of Oscars buzz.

— Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of jolt

Noun

The 16th slam in Yankees postseason history gave Rice six RBIs, matching the franchise record for a postseason game accomplished by four other players.

— ABC News, ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026
Lunch hour has its beginning and its ending, and somehow the whole teeming chaos of midcentury Midtown must be crammed within it, before the hour slams shut.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of slam

Browse Nearby Words

colligating

collision

collisions

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Collision.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/collision. Accessed 18 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of collision

noun

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Synonyms of collision

noun

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Articles Related to collision

Must 'Collide' Mean Two Moving Objects?

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on collision

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