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

There are no lyrics, no mixing inconsistencies, no jolts of experimental hiss. — Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 30 July 2026 The Cubs entered the 10th inning with just two hits, but the lifeless night offensively got quite the jolt when PCA stepped to the plate. — Mark Harris Outkick, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2026

Verb

Volatility in Japanese government bonds jolted Treasuries and drew the ire of Bessent earlier this year. — Mia Glass, Fortune, 3 Aug. 2026 The brain then jolts the body awake to restart breathing, a cycle that can repeat 5 to 100 or more times an hour. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for jolt

Recent Examples of Synonyms for jolt

Noun

Although no one observed the actual collision, a telescope in Chile spotted what astronomers have identified as the debris plume resulting from the crash.

— Ashley Mowreader, NBC news, 8 Aug. 2026
The even bigger problem, Hilsenrath says, is a collision taking shape with the Treasury and the Fed.

— Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of collision

Verb

Tarrant County District Attorney In mid-November 1996, Narez shook her daughter, Kasandra White, and threw the child into a wall, causing her head to strike a door, according to the 1999 Tarrant County grand jury indictment.

— S.E. Jenkins, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
On Monday, in the early morning, cheerleaders flanked the entrance to the courtyard, cheering and shaking their pom-poms as their classmates filed in, showing varying degrees of enthusiasm.

— Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of shake

Verb

The officer is also seen putting a woman in a patrol car — the same woman who is shown on the ground having her hair yanked by an officer.

— Marvin Hurst, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026
This bestselling line of classic creepy characters is yanked straight from your best memories of Halloween as a child.

— Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of yank

Verb

The monk-to-entrepreneur pipeline has shocked some of his fans and followers who say making $21 million a year is antithetical to a monk lifestyle.

— Alexandra York, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
The last memorandum of understanding between Tehran and Washington in June shocked many sanctions experts by how much the US gave away to Iran for very little in exchange.

— Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of shock

Noun

Ramirez was Miami’s primary catcher as a rookie last season and can add some thump to Miami’s lineup, but his work defensively remains underwhelming.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 3 Aug. 2026
Adding more thump around those three is Dana Brown’s foremost goal before Monday’s trade deadline.

— Chandler Rome, New York Times, 1 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