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

European space officials hope a jolt of competition will light a fire under the continent’s rocket industry. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 6 Sep. 2026 But, though the special effects are killer, what makes the show click is its suspenseful melancholy, as quiet scenes build to jolts so intense that the whole audience screamed. — Rhoda Feng, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026

Verb

The wake-up factor scale rates beverages that’ll put you to sleep versus ones that’ll jolt you awake (based on qualitative factors, not necessarily measured caffeine content). — Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 1 Sep. 2026 The bigger, the sweeter, the more outlandish the dish, the more appetizing the bait for the social media influencers who will jolt a restaurant into stardom. — Lyndsay C. Green, Freep.com, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for jolt

Recent Examples of Synonyms for jolt

Noun

Detectives with the Police Department’s major collision investigation unit and crime scene investigators are investigating, according to Smith.

— Michael McGough, Sacbee.com, 19 Sep. 2026
According to Fort Worth police, a motorist — later identified as Dwabe — had stopped to help the occupants of a vehicle who’d been involved in a collision.

— Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of collision

Noun

Laurie Whitwell Move would fit Madrid’s youth investment Madrid’s willingness to invest so heavily in such a young player is no longer a surprise.

— Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
The 36-year-old pop star made a surprise appearance alongside longtime friend Mariska Hargitay in a hilarious sketch during the 2026 Emmy Awards.

— Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of surprise

Verb

In the coastal village of Quinhagak, the storm shook houses and damaged some buildings and infrastructure.

— Samantha Watson, NPR, 19 Sep. 2026
Some Providence parents shook their heads as the clock wound down; others shouted expletives toward school administrators and Nazareth players.

— Lila Hempel-Edgers, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of shake

Verb

Brewers starter Dustin May gave up three runs and six hits before being yanked with one out in the third.

— ABC News, ABC News, 18 Sep. 2026
In recent conversations with The Athletic, two coaches with deep affection for their alma mater described having the Camp Randall rug yanked from underneath them.

— Tim Graham, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2026

Definition of yank

Verb

Keith gained notoriety for his work with superstars like Beyonce, Cardi B, Drake and Travis Scott, and his death shocked the hip-hop community.

— Deena Zaru, ABC News, 17 Sep. 2026
The influx of immigrants shocked this small town Lockland had for decades been home to a small population of West Africans who’d come to Ohio in the 1990s because of political and racial oppression in Mauritania.

— Claire Galofaro, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of shock

Noun

The Giants lineup even lacked Rafael Devers’ considerable thump for the first time since the Giants traded for him last summer.

— Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026
If those ground tests show the jet’s acoustic thump is soft enough for suburban skies, NASA plans to fly the X-59 over several US communities to gather public feedback.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of thump

Verb

The walls of my office violently shuddered and smoke filled the hallway — but no evacuation alarm ever sounded.

— Marc A. Thiessen, Washington Post, 10 Sep. 2026
The system shudders a bit and then gets back to normal, like a person stubbing a toe or twisting an ankle faces discomfort and difficulty walking for a while.

— Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of shudder

Verb

And like any great sitcom, Friends runs the gamut from numbing brain-rot to tear-jerking sentimentality.

— Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 9 Sep. 2026
Even after a bailiff woke him up, Martin slumped over in his wheelchair, inside a courtroom bullpen, occasionally jerking and opening his eyes.

— Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 8 Sep. 2026