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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
The Hurricanes know Brown’s impact as a dual-threat quarterback and understand the importance of getting him down on the initial point of contact. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 13 Sep. 2025 Athletes are often defined by their times, medals, and records, but stripping back their impact to numbers can be reductive, particularly in Fraser-Pryce’s case. Liam Tharme, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
In an effort to connect with the patient, Wilson opened up about losing his dad and how that has impacted his life. Regina Cho, VIBE.com, 12 Sep. 2025 Chizhevsky’s article profoundly impacted Russian avant-garde artists like the painter Kazimir Malevich. Tim Brinkhof, Big Think, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for impact
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impact
Noun
  • But what was the effect of that?
    Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
  • This innovative installation may hold one of the keys to accelerating a transition away from fossil fuels that scientists say is necessary if the world is to avoid the worst effects of climate change.
    Jeff Young, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The growing number of satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) also worries space sustainability experts, who warn about the increasing risk of orbital collisions.
    Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The waveforms of those signals serve as an audio fingerprint—in this case, evidence for two black holes spiraling inward toward each other and merging in a massive collision event, sending powerful shock waves across spacetime.
    Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Element Human, which uses behavioral AI to measure creative effectiveness, analyzed a recent Jake collaboration with creator Daniel LaBelle.
    Jamie Gutfreund, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Injection wells could also help reduce Arizona’s carbon footprint through carbon capture, though some scientists question that technology’s effectiveness.
    Austin Corona, AZCentral.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Her pieces consisted of geometric tops influenced by flowers’ natural designs and also modernized micro shorts.
    Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The efficiency and immediacy of space medicine may well influence healthcare innovation far beyond orbit, inspiring systems that are faster, cheaper, and more accessible.
    Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Steil said the funds to increase the pilot program stipend were previously allocated and have been repurposed to bump it up to $10,000.
    Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 18 Sep. 2025
  • High Potential ended its first season by confirming that Morgan’s estranged ex is alive and well, thus bumping the search for Ava’s father to the top of Morgan’s priority list moving forward.
    Andy Swift, TVLine, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The production stitches together a grab-bag of ‘global’ references—Caribbean steel drums, Mardi Gras second lines, LA street dance—without ever rooting itself in a specific tradition.
    David Hochman, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Steve Spurrier spends his time these days rooting on the Florida Gators from his home in Gainesville.
    Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Last year’s shock results included Aston Villa beating Bayern Munich 1-0 at home in the league phase, as Unai Emery led them to the quarter-finals.
    Eduardo Tansley, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Sneakily announced right before the Emmy Awards started on Sunday night, the news came as a shock considering Stokes had just posted an Instagram photo dump celebrating Ballerini’s birthday two days prior on September 12.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Though the Dublin area’s luxury market has typically peaked around $4 million, Knollwood’s scale, provenance, and cultural significance set it apart.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 16 Sep. 2025
  • This venue holds particular significance, is where Serena captured six of her 23 Grand Slam singles titles there, while Venus won two of her seven major championships on those same courts.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 16 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Impact.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impact. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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