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

Jim Jarvis has provided the jolt at shortstop that the Braves have sought since Orlando Arcia’s All-Star first half in 2023. — Gabriel Burns, AJC.com, 23 July 2026 Still, this team needs a jolt in one way or another, and all the talk surrounding them is about if Tarik Skubal will be traded or not. — David Troy, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026

Verb

Tuesday’s vote comes as Kast, who took office just over three months ago, struggles to jolt a sluggish economy. — ABC News, 21 July 2026 Stocks didn't appear to be overly jolted by the fighting, but other areas of the market are flashing warning signs. — Alex Harring, CNBC, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for jolt

Recent Examples of Synonyms for jolt

Noun

This initiative aims to significantly reduce the state's high rate of wildlife-vehicle collisions, which ranks fifth nationally and contributes to the nation's highest auto insurance claims.

— Noël Fletcher, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Officers with the Olathe Police Department were called to the area of West 159th Street and South Lone Elm Road upon reports of a head-on collision between a white SUV and a dump truck, according to a news release from Sgt.

— Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of collision

Noun

The designers have only one day to create this look — no surprise there.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 31 July 2026
Nationwide, Democratic lawmakers have been making surprise visits to ICE detention facilities after a federal judge ruled in March that the Department of Homeland Security cannot bar members of Congress from conducting unannounced inspections.

— Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026

Definition of surprise

Verb

The heat now poses an additional danger to residents still shaken by the quake, many of whom are sleeping in their cars after their homes were damaged or destroyed.

— Yumi Asada, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
Chad Gable and Penta shook hands as Gable’s family watched from ringside.

— Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of shake

Verb

But with the Supreme Court sanctioning a White House immigration crackdown, Nelson’s permission to stay in the country appears likely to be yanked within days, leaving French worried.

— ABC News, ABC News, 31 July 2026
Karol then appeared to try deescalating the abrupt encounter, but she was yanked by the fan again before security escorted him from the stage.

— Edward Segarra, USA Today, 31 July 2026

Definition of yank

Verb

The move shocked the global scientific community and landed him in jail for three years.

— Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 31 July 2026
Twain and Marie-Anne became close friends, and Twain was shocked to learn that Marie-Anne and Lange had been allegedly carrying on an extramarital affair—losing both her husband and her best friend in one fell swoop.

— Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 31 July 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

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
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

Definition of shudder

Verb

Nighttime in the Okefenokee is filled with a wild cacophony — the choruses of pig frogs, hooting owls, crickets and sometimes the deep, nerve-jerking bellowing of bull alligators.

— Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 25 July 2026
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also advises against twisting or jerking the tick.

— Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 15 July 2026