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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
Erin has prompted storm surge and tropical storm warnings for much of the North Carolina coast along the Outer Banks, where the greatest impact will be felt. David Schutz, Sun Sentinel, 21 Aug. 2025 Solar adoption reveals cracks in Pakistan's power system But the millions of new solar users — like Zia and his neighbors — are having an impact on the financing of Pakistan's power sector. Betsy Joles, NPR, 21 Aug. 2025
Verb
Google says this new AI health approach will also impact how sleep tracking and advice works in the Fitbit app. Andrew Williams, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025 Also impacting the top 10 is Jordan Davis with Learn The Hard Way, new at No. 9. Lars Brandle, Billboard, 22 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for impact
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impact
Noun
  • Today, an extreme heat warning and an air quality alert are in effect.
    DAILY BRIEFING, AZCentral.com, 25 Aug. 2025
  • Most of those sanctions had a duration of one year or less, and none are still in effect, according to the university’s online list.
    Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 24 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The bus was carrying 54 passengers, and the cause of the collision is still under investigation.
    Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 23 Aug. 2025
  • Following the Florida crash, Immigration and Customs Enforcement also arrested Singh’s brother, who was a passenger in Harjinder’s truck at the time of the collision.
    Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 23 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Another way to think of the difference is how a property’s surroundings would influence the tax bill.
    Tiana Lowe Doescher, The Washington Examiner, 22 Aug. 2025
  • These differences in conduct and engagement could influence the board's decisions, potentially resulting in separate outcomes for the brothers.
    Amanda Castro Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • That also means 25 percent longer battery life, bumping Google's claim up to 40 hours of run time for the 45-mm watch and 30 hours for the 41-mm model.
    Julian Chokkattu, Wired News, 20 Aug. 2025
  • Only union employees represented by Workers United are entitled to bumping rights.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • And unlike most states, Kentucky and its utilities have not enacted EV incentives, even as the industry spends billions of dollars to root an EV supply chain in the commonwealth.
    Connor Giffin, The Courier-Journal, 13 Aug. 2025
  • And perhaps then local can return to its original meaning: simply, proudly, of a place — rooted, not reduced or reconstituted in the language of empire.
    Bibi Bakare-Yusuf, semafor.com, 11 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Analysts expect price shocks and project delays across the board.
    Ryan Mallory, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025
  • King’s assassination in Memphis on April 4, 1968, was a shock to the world.
    Andy Rose, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • That’s pretty much what breaking is, in terms of the dance and the historical significance of this dance.
    Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Aug. 2025
  • Still, the significance of overcoming Senegal cannot be overstated.
    Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Plus, there hasn’t been evidence that this disease is affecting the North American population numbers of grey squirrels, the type of squirrels currently being affected, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
  • Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 24 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Impact.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impact. Accessed 29 Aug. 2025.

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