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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 pilot of a glider involved in a midair collision in the skies above New York’s Saratoga County on Friday was found dead following a search for wreckage, New York State Police said. — Dennis Romero, NBC news, 18 Sep. 2026 New York Mets first baseman Jared Young was carted off on a stretcher Thursday night following a terrifying collision with teammate Nolan McLean during a game against the Phillies at Citi Field. — Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2026 Young was motionless on the field after the collision and taken to a hospital. — CBS News, 18 Sep. 2026 Barrington Police and Metra Police Department were on the scene of the collision. — Allison Kiehl, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for collision

Recent Examples of Synonyms for collision

Noun

The helicopter moves quickly away from the bus crash site and starts losing altitude.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Sep. 2026
The pilot reported mechanical difficulties moments before the crash in the southeast corner of the airport, The Times reported at the time.

— Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of crash

Noun

An accident disrupts the ritual, and Keigetsu, thrown off balance, sees her spell spiral out of her control, sending the two women back into each other’s bodies.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 20 Sep. 2026
As the news of the helicopter crash spread, media crews from the bus accident scene began rushing to the helicopter site and were told by law enforcement to evacuate because the situation was too dangerous, NBC4 footage showed.

— Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of accident

Noun

The bus driver, who had been injured in the wreck, quickly called the bus operating division for help, said Stephanie Wiggins, CEO of the LA County Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

— Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 20 Sep. 2026
In 1827, local businessmen staged a grisly spectacle to draw crowds, using the wreck of the lake schooner Michigan.

— Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of wreck

Noun

The financial cost is just one measure of the impact of the Iran war, which also is affecting oil prices and the stock market and has led to deaths and injuries of American troops.

— Ben Finley, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026
Established in 2006, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation is a non-profit organization that aims to protect the environment and promote sustainable development by limiting climate impacts and promoting renewable energy sources.

— Julia Teti, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of impact

Noun

The dwelling has evolved over the years as Jenner has matured and trends have shifted, now imbued with warm neutrals and an air of serenity rather than bold jolts of energy.

— Architectural Digest, Architectural Digest, 15 Sep. 2026
While that may not make sense right away, considering the Flyers plan to keep Trevor Zegras at center for now, perhaps that’s something Tocchet turns to at some point to try to give the team a jolt or if another center is struggling.

— Kevin Kurz, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of jolt

Noun

The Giants lineup even lacked Rafael Devers’ considerable thump for the first time since the Giants traded for him last summer.

— Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026
If those ground tests show the jet’s acoustic thump is soft enough for suburban skies, NASA plans to fly the X-59 over several US communities to gather public feedback.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of thump

Noun

Underpronators, on the other hand, will do best with shoes that encourage midfoot or forefoot striking and mitigate heavy heel or lateral slams on the pavement.

— Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026
Right outside, at the intersection in front of Ash’s office, a yellow convertible slams into a black sedan, spinning to a halt in a cloud of smoke.

— Ben Travers, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of slam

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colligating

collision

collisions

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Style

“Collision.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/collision. Accessed 23 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of collision

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Synonyms of collision

noun

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Example Sentences

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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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compendious

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Popular

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

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Games & Quizzes