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

First, Murdock recognized the Falcons setting up a screen and then shook off a block attempt by the pulling center and dropped running back Tyler Goodson for no gain.

— Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
In quiet spaces, cues on whether the ground is shaking are distorted by our expectations.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of shake

Verb

In a desperate attempt to avoid getting their fingers caught in the cookie jar, there is a pell-mell sprint toward finding a watermark removal app that can yank out the digital watermarks.

— Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
For months, many at City Hall had expected Raman to make a stink if she was yanked from her post, transforming herself into a martyr.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 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

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