1
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to yank
to move or cause to move with a sharp quick motion
she jolted the door open with her elbow
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to shock
to cause an unpleasant surprise for
the sneak terrorist attack jolted the country out of its indolence and indifference
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of jolt
Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 6 May 2026
Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards came back from injury, his early return from a hyperextended knee giving his team a jolt.
—Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 5 May 2026
K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 1 May 2026
Michael Massey jolted into place.
—Kansas City Star, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for jolt
Noun
That jolt is part of why many people use a morning plunge as a substitute for a second cup of coffee or as a pre-workout primer.
—Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 6 May 2026
Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards came back from injury, his early return from a hyperextended knee giving his team a jolt.
—Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 5 May 2026
Verb
In Hallow Road, Rosamund Pike and Matthew Rhys star as a couple who get jolted awake by a panicked call from their daughter, who has just hit a pedestrian with her car late at night.
—K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 1 May 2026
Michael Massey jolted into place.
—Kansas City Star, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for jolt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jolt
Noun
-
In court Friday, Kazarian said her client suffered from an undiagnosed neurological disorder and may have experienced a seizure at the time of the collision.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
9 May 2026
-
In reality, collisions in space are extremely rare but incredibly dangerous.—
Alan Bradley,
Space.com,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
Tom Brady, who was the victim of Netflix’s last celebrity roast in 2024, made a surprise appearance at Kevin Hart’s roast Sunday to launch a few jokes at the comedian before the night got underway.—
Payton Turkeltaub,
Variety,
11 May 2026
-
Deadline also asked Coogan about the surprise exit of Helena Bonham Carter, who left The White Lotus around a week into production and was later replaced by Laura Dern.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
10 May 2026
Verb
-
Even with only two-thirds of the lower bowl of Grand Casino Arena filled, the cheers of relief from the fans when Morin scored the game-tying and game leading goals shook the arena as if the place was packed full.—
Staff Report,
Twin Cities,
9 May 2026
-
Her daytime meals are pretty consistent and include yogurts, protein bars, protein shakes and protein pasta.—
Betty Lin-Fisher,
USA Today,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
Now, the Sentinel has learned, Florida is taking an inconsistent approach to cleaning up its mess, yanking the licenses of 47 nurses who attended schools cited by the FBI but allowing others to keep working, even when it has been alerted to their shortcomings.—
Annie Martin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 May 2026
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On Tuesday, Carr tweeted that the FCC was wrong to yank an $886 million broadband-buildout award from SpaceX in 2022 on the grounds that Starlink could not meet speed requirements throughout its service areas and would cost too much.—
Rob Pegoraro,
PC Magazine,
7 May 2026
Verb
-
The father refused and shocked the doctor by going even further.—
Duaa Eldeib,
CNN Money,
8 May 2026
-
McGrath's family was shocked by the results of the 2025 trial.—
Peter D'Abrosca,
FOXNews.com,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
The Yankees need Wells to provide at least some thump in a bottom third of the order that hasn’t been very good.—
Brendan Kuty,
New York Times,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Moments later, a bass thump sounded in the distance.—
Nabih Bulos,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Most of us shudder at the idea of having to skip our morning cuppa.—
Embry Roberts,
Martha Stewart,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Hotels used in talks last week have already asked patrons leave as the country shudders into another quasi-lockdown.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
19 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
During their first night together, just for an instant, Nikki appears to glitch, jerking back mid-kiss and looking at him with blind panic instead of undying affection.—
Alex Barasch,
New Yorker,
11 May 2026
-
John jerked Maggie back by the elbow and stopped her from stepping into the street.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Jolt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jolt. Accessed 12 May. 2026.
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