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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
That way, markets can focus on next year, rather near-term tariff impacts. Jason Ma, Fortune, 21 June 2025 Wristlet Keychains This crochet wristlet keychain is a mini project with major functional impact. Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 June 2025
Verb
Despite the huge spike in Middle East tensions over the weekend, with knock-on effects impacting shipping routes and oil prices, moves in financial markets have been relatively muted on Monday. Ganesh Rao,chloe Taylor,holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 23 June 2025 But just as important is the far vaster power structures that impact us today. Literary Hub june 23, Literary Hub, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for impact
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impact
Noun
  • Adding more high-skilled immigrants every year instead of just a one-time increase would have a larger effect.
    Adam A. Millsap, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
  • However, despite the fact that the overwhelming majority of physicians have the best of intentions, these new rules will have a chilling effect on both veterans seeking health care and providers caring for them.
    Flavia Mangan Colgan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • Robledo was involved in a collision with a patrol car shortly before 6:15 a.m. near Olympic Parkway and Windingwalk Street.
    Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 June 2025
  • Drugs or alcohol do not appear to be factors in the collision, the CHP said.
    Harry Harris, Mercury News, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • In their eyes, his music influenced an entire generation of artists and creatives.
    Mark P. Braboy, Rolling Stone, 23 June 2025
  • An early investor-turned-mentor heavily influenced Saller.
    Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • However, it was bumped down to 11th place as investment in parks ranked Denver 10th this year.
    Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2025
  • After sinking the walk-off putt, Bradley chest bumped his caddie as his sons came out to celebrate on the course.
    Kendall Capps, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • Young and shallowly rooted plants are the most impacted by heat and drought, leaving them vulnerable to diseases and pests.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 25 June 2025
  • That insight opened the door to a new phase of her growth—one rooted not in trying harder, but in looking deeper.
    Nell Derick Debevoise, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • The majority of those injured at Soroka were hurt while seeking shelter or suffered from shock.
    Amanda Castro Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025
  • In the age of Trump’s global tariffs, Beijing is unleashing an export shock across the globe.
    Kristina Karisch, The Hill, 19 June 2025
Noun
  • Several hundred locals gathered outside the property gates on Sunday to protest the detention center and call for the protection of the land, stressing its special significance to Native Americans as well as conservationists, according to member station WGCU.
    Rachel Treisman, NPR, 24 June 2025
  • Jennings said the preservation and rehabilitation of the chapel is crucial due to its historical and architectural significance, and community value.
    Damenica Ellis, Charlotte Observer, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • Boozman’s committee was responsible for drafting legislation affecting nutrition assistance and agriculture programs.
    Alex Thomas, Arkansas Online, 24 June 2025
  • Roberta Kaplan, who represents Carroll, was also asked to defend the high amount of damages the jury awarded Trump, as well as explain to the court why the Supreme Court’s ruling last year giving Trump more immunity from legal liability doesn’t affect this case.
    Alison Durkee, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Impact.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impact. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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