Synonyms of concussion

concussion

noun

kən-ˈkə-shən 

1

as in collision

a forceful coming together of two things

the concussion of the two football players sent them both to the ground

Synonyms & Similar Words

• collision
• shock
• crash
• impact
• jolt
• thump
• pounding
• bump
• slam
• blow
• impingement
• encounter
• slap
• kick
• contact
• strike
• wallop
• jar
• hit
• jounce
• knock
• punch
• smash
• hammering
• thrashing
• buffet
• rap
• bashing
• battering
• licking
• pummelling
• pummeling
• meeting
• touch
• bludgeoning
• clobbering
• lambasting

2

as in crash

the violent coming together of two bodies into destructive contact

the theory that such a concussion, by a giant asteroid or comet millions of years ago, led to the extinction of the dinosaurs

Synonyms & Similar Words

• collision
• crash
• accident
• wreck
• smashup
• pileup
• crack-up
• smash
• destruction
• demolishment
• ruin

Synonym Chooser

How is the word concussion different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of concussion are collision, impact, and shock. While all these words mean "a forceful, even violent contact between two or more things," 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 is it sensible to use collision instead of concussion?

The words collision and concussion can be used in similar contexts, but 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

When can impact be used instead of concussion?

The synonyms impact and concussion are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 is shock a more appropriate choice than concussion?

The words shock and concussion 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 concussion

The offense began to fall apart when Tagovailoa sustained a concussion during a Week 2 matchup against the Buffalo Bills. —C. Isaiah Smalls Ii, Miami Herald, 12 June 2025

In June 2024, King Charles' sister, 74, was hospitalized with a concussion believed to be caused by an impact with a horse at her home on the Gatcombe Park estate. —Stephanie Petit, People.com, 11 June 2025

How other former Huskies fared Paige Bueckers, Dallas Wings: The star rookie has missed four straight games since she was placed in concussion protocol on May 29, though she was cleared to play Sunday against the Minnesota Lynx. —Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 10 June 2025

After suffering a concussion from a bomb hitting his vehicle, 10 days later while leading his squad on foot patrol, the young corporal from Oswego stepped on an IED and lost both legs above the knee, while also permanently injuring his right hand and arm. —Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2025