impact 1 of 2

Definition of impactnext

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
This sacrificial mechanism forces an impact to expend far more energy to penetrate the material, thereby protecting the stronger, load-bearing polymer bonds from failing during rapid deformation. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 3 June 2026 Disruptions in transportation due to the Iran conflict and the subsequent increase in shipping costs will also have an impact going forward, added Garcia Tapia. Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 3 June 2026
Verb
Could an overseas opener in Australia adversely impact his comeback? Cam Inman, Mercury News, 4 June 2026 The scheme allegedly went on for almost two years and impacted more than 100 people. Luke Barr, ABC News, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for impact
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impact
Noun
  • The measure, placed on the ballot by the county Board of Supervisors, asks voters to support the sales tax increase to help stave off the effects of federal Medi-Cal cuts affecting county healthcare facilities.
    Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 10 June 2026
  • In one important way the dog in art does not reflect reality, in the real world, or in the imagination, the reality effect.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 June 2026
Noun
  • This is no coincidence; galactic mergers are more likely at the cluster’s gravitational center, and astronomers think the chaos of such collisions helps give ellipticals their characteristic spheroidal shape.
    Phil Plait, Scientific American, 29 May 2026
  • The Idaho Transportation Department plans to restripe a section of Interstate 84 between Meridian and Nampa, in the days after work-zone lane markings caused confusion among drivers and at least one near collision.
    Rose Evans May 29, Idaho Statesman, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • This emphasis on user-friendly effectiveness is immediately apparent in CyberFOX’s simple setup approach.
    Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 8 June 2026
  • Ervin recommends placing these about eight feet apart for maximum effectiveness.
    Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 8 June 2026
Verb
  • The brain influences the body’s response to nerves as much as that of the mind.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 3 June 2026
  • Like many Europeans who became interested in alternative or occult traditions in the early 20th century, she was drawn to and influenced by innumerable schools of spirituality, philosophy, and mythology.
    Eliza Goodpasture, ARTnews.com, 3 June 2026
Verb
  • To alleviate all that blockiness and bulk, the architects chiseled it like a block of marble, shaving here, notching there, bumping out, and pulling in to give it interest in the round.
    Justin Davidson, Curbed, 4 June 2026
  • This will bump their salaries above $101,000.
    Willie Wilson, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2026
Verb
  • Together, these efforts reflect my commitment to improving quality of life in ways that are visible, meaningful, and rooted in what our community has asked for.
    Mercury News Editorial Board, Mercury News, 29 May 2026
  • Each one is rooted in local tradition and craftsmanship, with goods sold directly by the artisans who make them.
    Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • No Platner supporter, however, can feel certain that the shocks have ceased.
    David Frum, The Atlantic, 6 June 2026
  • Chloe Demrovsky, a professor at New York University, member of the Coalition for an Insurable Future and former FEMA National Advisory Council member, said most Americans cannot absorb a financial shock of more than $1,000, making insurance a critical safety net.
    Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 6 June 2026
Noun
  • So using these as natural barriers obviously has an enormous significance — enormous importance.
    Gabrielle Emanuel, NPR, 6 June 2026
  • For now, however, his focus is on preparing himself and his teammates for the country’s first FIFA World Cup match since Haiti played in 1974, and Miami carries a special significance along that goal.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 6 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Impact.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impact. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.

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