JOLT Synonyms: 195 Similar and Opposite Words

jolt 1 of 2

noun

ˈjōlt

Definition of jolt

as in collision

a forceful coming together of two things pack the glass vase so that it won't fall victim to any hard jolts in transit

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as in surprise

something that makes a strong impression because it is so unexpected the news of the CEO's sudden retirement was a jolt to us all

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jolt

2 of 2

verb

as in to shake

to make a series of small irregular or violent movements the roller coaster car jerked and jolted as it coursed along the old wooden tracks

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as in to yank

to move or cause to move with a sharp quick motion she jolted the door open with her elbow

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as in to shock

to cause an unpleasant surprise for the sneak terrorist attack jolted the country out of its indolence and indifference

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 jolt

Noun

Takeoff and landing are when many aviation incidents occur—they’re considered the most critical phases of a flight and when an aircraft is most vulnerable to sudden, unexpected jolts of motion. — Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2026 Moments after that prisoner, Pedro Medina, received the first jolt of electricity, his head caught fire and flames leaped into the air. — Pamela Colloff, ProPublica, 30 June 2026

Verb

Nilka Simosa Verde, a Venezuelan-American living in Miami Beach, has been hoping and praying to hear from her family since two earthquakes jolted Venezuela’s Caribbean coast Wednesday evening. — Sonia Osorio, Miami Herald, 25 June 2026 And the weekend before that, 21-year-old YouTube sensation Kane Parsons jolted the box office to new highs when his directorial debut, Backrooms, shattered multiple records with an $118 million global premiere take. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 21 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for jolt

Recent Examples of Synonyms for jolt

Noun

Leaving the scene of a property-damage collision can result in misdemeanor charges, fines and other penalties.

— James Ward, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Under California’s vehicle code, hit-and-run collisions that lead to property damage but no injuries are classified as misdemeanors.

— Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 4 July 2026

Definition of collision

Verb

The iconic bunny costume moment, when Elle is tricked into showing up to a non-costume party wearing a Playboy bunny get-up, was the catalyst for exploring how Elle was able to shake that humiliation off.

— Scarlett Harris, IndieWire, 6 July 2026
This tournament has built credibility by showcasing teams competing at a high level, then shaking hands afterward.

— Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026

Definition of shake

Verb

Then, five days after the best start of his young MLB career coincided with one of his worst moments, he was yanked after just 2 1/3 innings in Sunday’s 11-5 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates.

— Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 5 July 2026
Winco also yanked about 13,500 Roman Candles 8 Shot 3-Pack Firework Devices.

— David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026

Definition of yank

Verb

Englert and McLeod are agonizingly shocked when Anastasia and Sasha, on separate ships, hear each others’ voices for the first time in months, and realize the depths of their longing.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 July 2026
Several of the companies were shocked by the number of requirements levied in the NASA documents.

— Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 10 July 2026

Definition of shock

Noun

Quesst—a needle-nosed experimental aircraft with an airframe designed to reduce the typical sonic boom to a sonic thump.

— Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 2 July 2026
Not long after, Jamison’s parents reported hearing a loud thump, as though someone had fallen, according to prosecutors.

— Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2026

Definition of thump

Verb

These seemingly innocuous incidents attain new significance as they’re revisited alongside a slow crescendo that suddenly turns to shuddering piano chords on the track’s bridge.

— Nick Ayres DeMasi, Pitchfork, 1 July 2026
Choose Baits with Vibration Lipless crankbaits earn their keep each spring, as their shuddering motion creates the bait-mimicking tremors to which bass respond.

— David A. Brown, Outdoor Life, 1 July 2026

Definition of shudder

Verb

Watching their relationship devolve (never more so than when their sperm donor, a rakish, motorcycle-driving restaurant owner played by Mark Ruffalo, enters the scene) is most definitely a tear-jerking experience, as is the film’s final scene.

— Liam Hess, Vogue, 28 June 2026
Some were petty — like Reese committing a foul against Clark, then jerking her head back, impersonating Clark as a flopper.

— Candace Buckner, New York Times, 27 June 2026