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impact

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verb

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Synonym Chooser

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

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

The meanings of collision and impact largely overlap; however, 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

In what contexts can concussion take the place of impact?

In some situations, the words concussion and impact are roughly equivalent. However, 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 could shock be used to replace impact?

The synonyms shock and impact are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 impact
Noun
These images and their associated data can help researchers keep careful tabs on deforestation and its impacts on local and global ecosystems. Emma R. Hasson, Scientific American, 1 July 2025 Topgolf Callaway also appears increasingly likely to not see much of a net impact from tariffs. Brendan Coffey, Sportico.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
Abbott expanded the disaster declaration on Saturday to add more counties impacted by flooding and signed a disaster declaration requesting assistance from the federal government. Sergio Martínez-Beltrán, NPR, 5 July 2025 The Sheriff’s Department should also expand its Interfaith Advisory Council to more faith communities, including multiple congregations, and work more closely with Black- and Jewish-led organizations, two demographics most impacted by hate crimes in Orange County, the jury said in its report. Lillian Ashworth, Oc Register, 4 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for impact
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impact
Noun
  • The watch will remain in effect until 7 p.m. with up to 10 inches possible, the National Weather Service said in an alert.
    Hannah Parry Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
  • Map shows where a flood watch is in effect in central Texas Monday, July 7, 2025.
    July 7, CBS News, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • More buggies ended up on their sides or backs, the result of collisions or bad landings in the whoops section.
    William Liang, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2025
  • The force of the collision pushed the Volt into a Mercedes-Benz that was also at the stop sign.
    Clifford Ward, Chicago Tribune, 7 July 2025
Verb
  • This asymmetric and chemically heterogeneous upwelling, influenced by tectonic movement, is concentrated below the Afar region in Ethiopia.
    Jay Kakade July 05, New Atlas, 5 July 2025
  • Tariffs have also influenced the interest rates consumers pay on their debt.
    Ana Teresa Solá, CNBC, 5 July 2025
Verb
  • The child tax credit is bumped from $2,000 to $2,200, though millions of lower income families will still be unable to get the full credit.
    Andrew J. Campa Follow, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2025
  • Bass bumped from speakers and a live band played to about a dozen people dancing.
    Elise Hammond, CNN Money, 4 July 2025
Verb
  • Young and shallowly rooted plants are the most impacted by heat and drought, leaving them vulnerable to diseases and pests.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 25 June 2025
  • That insight opened the door to a new phase of her growth—one rooted not in trying harder, but in looking deeper.
    Nell Derick Debevoise, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • Clark’s ranking was a shock to many across the social media landscape.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • From discussing the cultural significance of luxury timepieces to beautifully showcasing black love, the SUEDE Men’s Experience is delivering authentic moments crafted perfectly for the contemporary man.
    John Lawson, Essence, 7 July 2025
  • The significance of Ventura’s lawsuit will extend far beyond the trial, Burke, the founder of the #MeToo movement, previously told CNN.
    Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 6 July 2025
Verb
  • Nearly 3,000 properties nationwide are affected — and a staggering number are right here in South Florida, with Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties at ground zero.
    Peter S. Sachs, Sun Sentinel, 6 July 2025
  • Intimate partner violence affects as many as 10 million Americans every year.
    Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 6 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Impact.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impact. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

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