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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
On impact, the particles clump together, blocking the flow of liquids and ions. Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 6 Sep. 2025 First, consider the impact that awareness of how AI works can have on how someone opts to make use of AI. Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
Additionally, Florida's Miccosukee Tribe claimed the facility impacted its access to the surrounding area and posed risks to the tribe's food and water supply. Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2025 As someone who evacuated but was still directly impacted by the storm, Shepard used her lived experience to influence her research on colonial disasters. Essence, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for impact
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impact
Noun
  • With support from the ADG Community Journalism Project, LEARNS reporter Josh Snyder covers the impact of the law on the K-12 education system across the state, and its effect on teachers, students, parents and communities.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Unlike other provisions in the Alien and Sedition Acts, which expired or were repealed, the Alien Enemies Act remains in effect today.
    Robert Birsel Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Its systems act as a 3D camera, tracking up to 15,000 collisions each second.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Callahan was given citations for following too closely, failure to exercise due care to avoid a collision with a horse on the highway, and unreasonable speed, according to authorities.
    Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Davis said that the center has been around for 50 years speaks to its effectiveness in helping people achieve their goals.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The money would provide for beginning mechanical removal of the algae mass in the most problematic areas and setting up test areas for the effectiveness of algicides, Miller said.
    Keith Matheny, Freep.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Its proximity to its Southeast Asian neighbors, and the extensive migration between the countries, means Myanmar's distinctive culinary offerings are influenced by Thailand, Malaysia, Bangladesh and India.
    Sophie Carson, jsonline.com, 4 Sep. 2025
  • In a response posted to social media, Kennedy hit back at the pediatrics academy's criticism, implying that the organization's views were influenced by corporate pharmaceutical funders.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • According to a recent 9to5Mac report, however, the base iPhone 17 will continue with 8GB of RAM, while the other three will be bumped to 12GB.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Carbs have the potential to bump each meal up to around 40 grams of protein.
    Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Be a Good Sport Even if—especially if—you’re rooting against your hosts’ team, don’t be obnoxious in your fandom.
    Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Legacy cultivators often use heritage brands to root themselves in cannabis history and culture.
    Sara Payan, Rolling Stone, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Sticker shock, though, is expected to hit when consumers shop for 2026 model year cars and trucks as more of those vehicles arrive at dealer lots, according to Cox Automotive.
    Susan Tompor, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Despite the shock loss, Milei has vowed no changes to his divisive agenda, which has reshaped Argentina’s economy, slashing inflation while boosting growth.
    Ben Smith, semafor.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The significance of this was that, according to reports in The Times, Soriot had privately discussed moving the primary listing of AZ, the biggest company in the FTSE-100, to New York.
    Ian King, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2025
  • The position holds personal significance for Malle, given Bergen's memorable guest role as Enid Frick, the fictional editor-in-chief of Vogue, in seasons 4, 5 and 6 of Sex and the City.
    Catherine Santino, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Impact.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impact. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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