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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 Starting edge rusher Nolan Smith missed his third practice with a concussion. Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2025 Hill fell below 1,000 yards in 2024 for the first time since the 2019 season, which was in large part due to Tagovailoa being out for multiple games due to suffering another concussion. James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Aug. 2025 Hernandez was now on the sideline throwing up repeatedly from a concussion. Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025 About a decade ago, the NFL reached a concussion settlement with former players. Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 29 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for concussion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for concussion
Noun
  • The Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined Berrios’ cause of death to be aortic laceration due to blunt force trauma of trunk and the manner of death to be accident (passenger in motor vehicle collision).
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 9 Aug. 2025
  • Alcohol and drug impairment did not appear to play a role in the collision, police said.
    Jason Green, Mercury News, 8 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The driver of the motor vehicle remained at the scene and was not injured, according to Bessette. Road closures were in effect in the area of the crash as the Waterbury Police Department’s Crash Reconstruction Unit investigated the incident, Bessette said.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Chinese mines were largely saved from the worst effects of the crash but are now seen as being guilty of over-production.
    Tim Treadgold, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • This, in turn, has rendered the EU vulnerable to shocks from powers ideologically and strategically opposed to the West.
    Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
  • Kirsh’s shock of white hair and dry, sardonic air give Olyphant refreshing distance from the upright lawmen he’s known for.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 5 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Concussion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/concussion. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on concussion

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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