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 Two United Airlines planes were involved in a minor collision at San Francisco International Airport on Labor Day, the airline confirmed. Pilar Arias, FOXNews.com, 3 Sep. 2025 Jaden Brown-Smith faces two counts of driving without a driver's license, one for causing death and another for causing great bodily harm, in the collision that killed 45-year-old Victor Ramos. David Clarey, jsonline.com, 3 Sep. 2025 Giuliani, 81, was hospitalized after the Saturday night collision in New Hampshire. Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2025 The bus was carrying 54 passengers, and the cause of the collision is still under investigation. Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 23 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for collision
Recent Examples of Synonyms for collision
Noun
  • Emergency services deployed 62 rescuers and 22 support vehicles to the crash, according to local media.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Authorities have not yet given an official cause for the crash and police are still investigating at the scene.
    Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Ford said there have not been any reports of accidents or injuries due to any of these issues.
    Saleen Martin, USA Today, 29 Aug. 2025
  • As part of the night’s festivities, Rochietti will also meet the first responders who helped pull him from the accident.
    Tyler Palmateer, The Tennessean, 29 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Considering that Jeanty’s worst game last year was 104 yards, the running back tally of 93 yards against the Bulls was a shock to the system.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 29 Aug. 2025
  • Diagnosed in 2016, his death came as a shock to his former costars and fellow actors, with many celebrities and fans paying tribute to the actor on social media.
    Karen Mizoguchi, People.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Four people — Amanda Benson, a commercial pilot; Kameilia Chavez, a flight nurse; Nicholas Mancuso, a flight paramedic; and Jeffrey Tuning, a commercial pilot — were killed in the wreck.
    Sasha Hupka, AZCentral.com, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Except Steven gets in a car wreck in episode two of season three, and trauma slams Belly and Jeremiah back together.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Still, her impact is undeniable.
    Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Elsewhere, impacts were reported in Zaporizhzhia, Sumy, Chernihiv, Dnipro, Kremenchuk and Odesa regions.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Instead of a jolt, the boost felt smooth and natural—as if my legs had joined a gym without telling me.
    Denny Lee, Travel + Leisure, 1 Sep. 2025
  • Every so often, a collab comes along that jolts luxury out of autopilot — reminding us with gratitude that the industry isn’t stuck on repeat.
    Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • And the thump, thump, thumping of her brother’s hands pounding a heavy bag.
    Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 30 Aug. 2025
  • Collins brings some thump to the four spot at no cost after next season.
    David Aldridge, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • There haven’t really been any slam-dunk breakouts from the Lido like festivals past – there’s been a bit too much ‘mid’, as the kids might say.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Getty Images As the 2025 Premier League summer transfer window slams shut, all the headlines will about Liverpool breaking the British transfer record to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle United.
    Steve Price, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Collision.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/collision. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on collision

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