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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
Among those who use a therapist, the main benefits cited were quality of care and impact, as well as kindness and having a personal connection. Robert Frank, CNBC, 8 Nov. 2025 Each of these games will have an impact on the College Football Playoff picture. Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2025
Verb
The disconcerting scene offers a glimpse of what actually happened to Will while he was trapped for most of Season 1 and suggests that Will may still be impacted by whatever Vecna put inside him at the beginning of the story. Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 7 Nov. 2025 In addition to supporting bone density, Powers says these wearable weights can also help maintain muscle strength and preserve lean mass, which hormonal shifts in midlife can impact. Jessie Quinn, Flow Space, 7 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for impact
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impact
Noun
  • Fast casual has become ‘too expensive’ Cava, which serves customizable Mediterranean-style bowls, is one chain that’s feeling the effects.
    Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 11 Nov. 2025
  • The effect can last up to 2 years after stopping the antibiotics.
    Leigh Weddle, Verywell Health, 11 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Everything is dark around us, but the collision itself is a source of energy and the flash of it lights us up.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
  • After the collision and shooting on October 4, a crowd of protesters gathered around the scene on the southwest side of Chicago, and agents responded by deploying tear gas.
    Reuters, NBC news, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Figlio said the states and districts that have adopted those policies have done so without much evidence to support their effectiveness.
    Silas Allen, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Although auctions are a ubiquitous form of fundraising that vary in effectiveness depending on what’s crossing the block and who benefits, philanthropic bidding will be in overdrive at a single-lot event in Las Vegas on November 21.
    Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 10 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • If this trend continues, the GOP could see losses in the November 2026 midterms, thus affecting the balance of power in Congress and the party's ability to influence key policies and legislation.
    Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • This car is a rolling research platform, validating materials and aero solutions that will influence future hypercar engineering.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Shakey’s motors would then follow this route, using its camera, range-finder sensors, and bump detectors to monitor its progress toward the goal.
    Big Think, Big Think, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Kylie's debut dethroned Joe Rogan, bumping The Joe Rogan Experience down to the second spot.
    Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • As autumn air and soil temperatures cool, perennial plants naturally shift their focus from above-ground to root growth.
    Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Take 4- to 6-inch cuttings from green, not woody, growth, dip the ends in rooting hormone, and root them in water or soil.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • There is a deep sense of shock at the BBC over the events of the past 24 hours, but also of anger.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 10 Nov. 2025
  • And the World Health Organization (WHO) is supporting countries with its operational framework for climate-resilient health systems, offering a blueprint for countries to use these funds to build health systems that can withstand and respond to climate shocks.
    Vanessa Kerry, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • But for all its significance, this disruption wasn’t entirely unexpected.
    Peter D. Feaver, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2025
  • In an interview with the lyrics platform Genius, Skrilla explains the number’s significance in classically opaque rapper terms.
    Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 11 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Impact.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impact. Accessed 20 Nov. 2025.

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