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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 The Seahawks ruled out linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (knee) and wide receivers Jake Bobo (concussion) and Dareke Young (hamstring). Cam Inman, Mercury News, 6 Sep. 2025 Woods had previously been listed with a groin injury and a concussion. Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 4 Sep. 2025 Kraus has written extensively on music, concussions, aging, speech, bilingualism, autism, technology and HIV through her work. Richard Requena, Chicago Tribune, 2 Sep. 2025 Prosecutors say a woman was knocked unconscious and two other people suffered concussions. Kevin Grasha, The Enquirer, 29 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for concussion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for concussion
Noun
  • Its systems act as a 3D camera, tracking up to 15,000 collisions each second.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Callahan was given citations for following too closely, failure to exercise due care to avoid a collision with a horse on the highway, and unreasonable speed, according to authorities.
    Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025
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
  • Sticker shock, though, is expected to hit when consumers shop for 2026 model year cars and trucks as more of those vehicles arrive at dealer lots, according to Cox Automotive.
    Susan Tompor, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Despite the shock loss, Milei has vowed no changes to his divisive agenda, which has reshaped Argentina’s economy, slashing inflation while boosting growth.
    Ben Smith, semafor.com, 8 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on concussion

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