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 honor, the high school coach says, represents the impact beyond the field. Jasmine Arenas, CBS News, 15 Jan. 2026 The lawsuit comes amid growing scrutiny of AI chatbots and their impact on mental health. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 14 Jan. 2026
Verb
The vast majority of Kansas’ cases are tied to a single commercial operation in Pottawatomie County, where roughly 380,000 birds were impacted. Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 15 Jan. 2026 The hazardous conditions could impact the Thursday morning commute. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 15 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for impact
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impact
Noun
  • With the disappearing of Robeson also came the disappearance of questioning the effect of free-market capitalism on Black communities, a once vibrant question replaced by the celebration of individual wealth.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Jan. 2026
  • But learning to elicit a resilient response, instead, can transform the negative effects of stress and allow someone to evolve in a healthier way.
    Tara Narula, Time, 20 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Conversely, collision coverage helps when your own car is damaged in a crash, whereas medical coverage helps cover treatment costs following an accident.
    Ethan M. Stone, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Neither alcohol nor drugs were determined to be factors in the collision.
    Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The third down against the Chiefs shows all three at work and perhaps provided a blueprint for how Denver can maximize Nix’s effectiveness in the postseason.
    Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 12 Jan. 2026
  • It was used with extreme effectiveness by Adolf Hitler during the 1930s and continued until his death by suicide in 1945.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 12 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • And how has that censorship, primarily in European languages, influenced self-censorship within the Syrian writing in Arabic or otherwise?
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Jan. 2026
  • Weather conditions and rough seas can influence whether SpaceX and NASA commit to undock from the ISS and target a specific splashdown site.
    Josh Dinner, Space.com, 15 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Last week, Deutsche Bank bumped its price target for the stock to $375 from $360.
    Lisa Kailai Han,Christopher Hayes, CNBC, 15 Jan. 2026
  • Cardman should have launched last year but was bumped to make room on the way down for NASA’s Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who were stuck nearly a year at the space station because of Boeing’s capsule problems.
    Marcia Dunn, Chicago Tribune, 15 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Louisiana dirty rice is a tasty meat-and-rice dish that roots its flavor in aromatic Cajun seasoning and the holy trinity vegetables.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Overwatering can be just as damaging as underwatering, leading to root damage or poor soil aeration.
    Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 12 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Whenever using space heaters in a bathroom or kitchen, take all precautions to reduce the risk of electric shock whether that's positioning your heater away from water sources like sinks and showers.
    Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Jan. 2026
  • While Owens’ retirement was a bit of a shock at first, Moore said the new board and committee volunteers are super excited about what is possible for the center.
    Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Some researchers have cast doubt on the significance of the study due to its small size.
    Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Rosado is expected to address the significance of the developments for South Florida and the broader region.
    Steven Yablonski, CBS News, 7 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Impact.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impact. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.

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