Synonyms of impact

impact 1 of 2

noun

ˈim-ˌpakt 

1

as in effect

the power to bring about a result on another

the execution had such a powerful impact on her that she became a crusader for the abolition of capital punishment

Synonyms & Similar Words

• effect
• influence
• consequence
• repercussion
• sway
• importance
• significance
• mark
• prestige
• weight
• domination
• mastery
• pull
• authority
• clout
• dominion
• command
• sovereignty
• supremacy

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• weakness
• helplessness
• impotence
• powerlessness
• impotency

2

as in collision

a forceful coming together of two things

the glass shattered immediately upon impact with the floor

Synonyms & Similar Words

• collision
• shock
• crash
• jolt
• thump
• blow
• slam
• bump
• encounter
• concussion
• impingement
• pounding
• slap
• kick
• contact
• strike
• knock
• hit
• punch
• wallop
• jounce
• jar
• smash
• hammering
• buffet
• thrashing
• bashing
• touch
• rap
• meeting
• pummeling
• bludgeoning
• licking
• battering
• clobbering
• lambasting

3

as in effectiveness

the quality of an utterance that provokes interest and produces an effect

the story has real dramatic impact

Synonyms & Similar Words

• effectiveness
• significance
• importance
• punch
• force
• point
• appeal
• forcefulness
• cogency
• payoff
• attraction
• fascination
• charm

impact

2 of 2

verb

im-ˈpakt 

1

as in to influence

to act upon (a person or a person's feelings) so as to cause a response

the tragic loss of his father impacted the boy for the rest of his life

Synonyms & Similar Words

• influence
• affect
• impress
• touch
• strike
• reach
• sway
• interest
• tell (on)
• inspire
• get to
• involve
• move
• bother
• concern
• entrance
• bias
• attract
• disturb
• worry
• penetrate
• carry away
• dazzle
• fascinate
• plague
• distress
• discomfort
• transport
• trouble
• stir
• upset
• engage
• stress
• color
• try
• afflict
• harass
• charm
• pierce
• enrapture
• ravish
• perturb
• enthrall
• smite
• enchant
• disquiet
• agitate
• strain
• allure
• wring
• fluster
• captivate
• discompose
• harry
• pester
• bewitch

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• bore
• weary
• pall
• tire
• jade
• underwhelm

2

as in to bump

to come into usually forceful contact with something

the damage sustained when a car going 40 miles an hour impacts with a brick wall

Synonyms & Similar Words

• bump
• collide
• bang
• slam
• crash
• smash
• hit
• knock
• ram
• impinge
• strike
• thud
• swipe
• bounce
• bash
• rebound
• contact
• glance
• ricochet
• land
• scrape
• push
• brush
• sweep
• touch
• skip
• muscle
• kiss
• clunk
• nudge
• graze
• shave
• skim
• jostle
• carom
• press
• bulldoze

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• miss
• skirt

3

as in to root

to set solidly in or as if in surrounding matter

the bullet was found impacted in the police officer's protective vest

Synonyms & Similar Words

• root
• embed
• lodge
• entrench
• implant
• bed
• put
• fix
• enroot
• place
• ingrain
• imbue
• infuse
• establish
• beat (into)
• stick
• instill
• drive (into)
• settle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• eliminate
• dislodge
• eradicate
• root (out)
• uproot
• remove
• expel
• disconnect
• eject
• detach
• disengage

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

Recent Examples of impact

Noun

The event also included a special coronation honoring Derek, highlighting the inspiration behind the project and the impact the new space will have on pediatric patients and their families. —Amari Riley, Charlotte Observer, 17 June 2026

The impact will be most severe in poorer countries, according to an analysis published Monday by Fitch, a ratings agency. —Tristan Bove, Fortune, 17 June 2026

Verb

The League of California Cities has estimated the measure could cost local governments statewide $2 billion to $3 billion annually and notes that in the Bay Area, the funding squeeze would impact cities like San Francisco, Oakland, and San Mateo alongside San Jose. —Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 18 June 2026

The Americans surveyed express concerns about the way those policies are impacting household decisions. —Elena Moore, NPR, 18 June 2026