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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 Some of those new details include suffering her first loss to Holly Holm and contemplating suicide post-fight, her history with concussions that preceded her MMA career and her tumultuous relationship with her long-time coach, Edmond Tarverdyan. Justin Kroll, Deadline, 23 June 2025 The return of A'ja Wilson from a concussion hasn't been enough to get the team back in the win column. Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 June 2025 After Soleimani was killed, Iran’s retaliatory missile attack against the US’s Al Asad airbase in Iraq was reportedly telegraphed to Baghdad beforehand, possibly helping reduce the level of US injury suffered to mostly concussions. Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 23 June 2025 Just weeks earlier on March 3, another fight made headlines after a 10th-grade student at Mallard Creek High School in north Charlotte said she was attacked by seven other girls, sustaining a concussion. Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for concussion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for concussion
Noun
  • Robledo was involved in a collision with a patrol car shortly before 6:15 a.m. near Olympic Parkway and Windingwalk Street.
    Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 June 2025
  • Drugs or alcohol do not appear to be factors in the collision, the CHP said.
    Harry Harris, Mercury News, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • Detaching parts may pose a hazard to other road users and increase the risk of crashes, according to the NHTSA report.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 25 June 2025
  • Our dashboard How Low Can Stocks Go During A Market Crash captures how key stocks fared during and after the last six market crashes.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • Clark’s ranking was a shock to many across the social media landscape.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
  • But when faced with financial shocks or broader economic uncertainty, many businesses reduce their credit card payments by an average of 3.2%.
    Juliana Berger, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on concussion

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