Synonyms of jolt

jolt 1 of 2

noun

ˈjōlt 

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

• collision
• shock
• thump
• crash
• impact
• blow
• bump
• slam
• slap
• pounding
• kick
• concussion
• encounter
• wallop
• contact
• jounce
• punch
• knock
• impingement
• strike
• hit
• jar
• smash
• hammering
• thrashing
• touch
• buffet
• pummeling
• bashing
• licking
• bludgeoning
• battering
• rap
• meeting
• clobbering
• lambasting

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

• surprise
• shock
• revelation
• bombshell
• bolt from the blue
• stunner
• jar
• kicker
• thunderclap
• jaw-dropper
• shocker
• eye-opener
• fillip
• marvel
• wonder
• twist
• amazement
• kick
• wrinkle

jolt

2 of 2

verb

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

• shake
• shudder
• jerk
• vibrate
• shiver
• quiver
• tremble
• quake
• bucket
• sway
• convulse
• twitch
• wobble
• jiggle
• jounce
• agitate
• swing
• flicker
• throb
• joggle
• judder
• wave
• thrill
• rock
• flutter
• chatter
• pulse
• fluctuate
• waver
• oscillate
• pulsate
• palpitate
• undulate
• quaver
• dodder
• beat
• pitter-patter
• pit-a-pat

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

• yank
• jerk
• lurch
• pull
• twitch
• shake
• grab
• tug
• bump
• buck
• hitch
• hoick
• tear
• stagger
• jog
• drag
• snatch
• jounce
• jiggle
• pluck
• rip
• jig
• joggle
• lug
• tweak
• snap (up)
• pitch
• wrench
• wring
• wrest

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

• shock
• appall
• stun
• horrify
• scare
• shake
• startle
• frighten
• shake up
• outrage
• floor
• astonish
• terrify
• alarm
• panic
• disgust
• overwhelm
• fright
• amaze
• revolt
• stupefy
• flabbergast
• spook
• dumbfound
• nauseate
• terrorize
• dismay
• discomfort
• knock for a loop
• distress
• scarify
• sicken
• scandalize
• affright
• awe
• repel
• upset
• offend
• disquiet
• displease
• unsettle
• disturb
• disconcert
• freak (out)
• unnerve
• astound
• bowl over
• turn off
• daunt
• perturb
• dispirit
• undo
• discompose
• chill
• demoralize
• emasculate
• overpower
• unman
• unstring
• weird out
• crush

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• cushion
• please
• buffer
• delight
• rejoice
• tickle
• gratify
• charm
• entice
• comfort
• tempt
• assure
• cheer
• soothe
• console
• reassure
• solace

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of jolt

Noun

The dwelling has evolved over the years as Jenner has matured and trends have shifted, now imbued with warm neutrals and an air of serenity rather than bold jolts of energy. — Architectural Digest, 15 Sep. 2026

While that may not make sense right away, considering the Flyers plan to keep Trevor Zegras at center for now, perhaps that’s something Tocchet turns to at some point to try to give the team a jolt or if another center is struggling. — Kevin Kurz, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026

Verb

Walker Jenkins jolted the first pitch from reliever Duncan Davitt over the wall in right to lead off the seventh. — ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026

Rafael Lopez, a Downey resident who has lived next door to the Kim family for years, said the FBI raid last summer caught neighbors by surprise when they were jolted awake by megaphones. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026