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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

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

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 concussion This is actually a traumatic brain injury, not just a concussion. Rachel Raposas, People.com, 7 May 2025 Medical degree or no, concussion spotters are supposed to pull guys for evaluation. Jeremy Rutherford, New York Times, 1 May 2025 Katelynn suffered multiple broken bones and a severe concussion, while Jaelan needed emergency leg surgery. David Matthews, New York Daily News, 28 Apr. 2025 The Hawaii native is giving back to the youth football program that shaped him, leveraging his NIL success to raise awareness about concussions and player safety. Nicole Kraft, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for concussion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for concussion
Noun
  • This was a post-optimistic world where new exciting collisions in biology had blossomed.
    A.D. Amorosi, Variety, 7 May 2025
  • The Manhattan Beach Police Department said in a press release that officers responded to a report of a traffic collision between a car and pedestrian on Sepulveda Boulevard in the early morning hours of May 4.
    Melina Khan, USA Today, 7 May 2025
Noun
  • The crash comes just days before the school’s prom on Saturday.
    Jasmine Mendez, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2025
  • The crash occurred Saturday around 5 p.m. when officers were dispatched to the 1400 block of Durham Road on the report of motorcycle collision, according to Officer Alex Torres of the Wallingford Police Department.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 7 May 2025
Noun
  • Saudi Press Agency | Via Reuters The toppling of the Assad regime during a shock offensive by anti-Assad militia groups in December last year stunned the global community and brought about the prospect of a new beginning for the devastated country.
    Natasha Turak, CNBC, 14 May 2025
  • The woman, who according to the news outlet was five months pregnant, was treated for shock, while her partner’s face was covered in blood.
    Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 14 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Concussion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/concussion. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on concussion

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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