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

To start your day with a welcoming jolt of caffeine, stop by the local chain café Waterbean Coffee or walk down the street to The Everyday Market to get your fill with a scone on the side. — Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 8 Aug. 2026 The Yankees badly need a jolt to their lineup, so expect Lombard to get an extended opportunity to be their everyday shortstop. — Mike Barner, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Verb

Perhaps more so than in other parts of the world, Africa has been jolted by global trade shocks, epidemics, and climate uncertainties in recent years. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 4 Aug. 2026 Volatility in Japanese government bonds jolted Treasuries and drew the ire of Bessent earlier this year. — Mia Glass, Fortune, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for jolt

Recent Examples of Synonyms for jolt

Noun

The Associated Press LONDON -- Seven people, including two police officers, died early Saturday in a head-on collision in the northeast of England following a pursuit.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 Aug. 2026
If a collision disables the low-voltage electrical system, those familiar controls may stop working.

— Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of collision

Noun

While Harry and Meghan’s decision is a surprise to many, royal historian Ed Owens said recent events created a pathway for the couple's return.

— ABC News, ABC News, 21 Aug. 2026
For Lush’s head of concepts and collaborations Kalem Brinkworth, the intensity of the group’s fandom was a surprise.

— Kati Chitrakorn, Vogue, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of surprise

Verb

Miami likely will hold off on signing a 15th player to a standard contract, at least for now, in order to see who shakes free in the buyout market.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 24 Aug. 2026
For some, fall fashion starts with color, working in warm browns and flashes of crimson red or shaking typical neutrals up with pops of cobalt blue.

— Minty Mellon, Vogue, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of shake

Verb

Participants will yank invasive plants to help restore the canyon.

— Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026
In Berkeley, where California clay culture yanked ceramics out of the category of polite craft and into something huge, physical, ugly, and beautiful, Heilmann learned to weld.

— Jerry Saltz, Vulture, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of yank

Verb

On Monday June 29, a bomb exploded on the doorstep of Yermolaiev’s luxury apartment in Monaco, gravely injuring the Ukrainian millionaire and shocking residents of the wealthy city state.

— Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
Fans were thus shocked when Jillian filed for divorce in January 2015.

— Grace Gavilanes, PEOPLE, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of shock

Noun

Their pitching is good, Griffin Jax could return soon, and Liam Hicks has added some thump to a lineup previously built around three really good hitters (Junior Caminero, Yandy Díaz, Jonathan Aranda) and a bunch of do-your-job role players.

— Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
The lower-vocal harmony struggles to stand out any time the deeper bass thumps.

— Mark Knapp, PC Magazine, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of thump

Verb

On Thursday, Clancy loudly sobbed, shuddered and covered her face with her hands as a medical examiner testified about Callan’s autopsy.

— Andi Babineau, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
Speaking to the media before England’s 3-2 victory over Mexico in the World Cup last 16, England manager Thomas Tuchel gave an update on Declan Rice that would make Arsenal fans shudder.

— Nnamdi Onyeagwara, New York Times, 13 July 2026