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
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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
Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 4 Mar. 2026
The Saints got an instant jolt of energy after Bainbridge’s layup, Addie Schilb’s runner on the wing and Brooklyn Schilb’s 3-pointer.
—Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026
Elaine Kurtenbach, Chicago Tribune, 8 Mar. 2026
Several lithographs are elegantly presented, and display the artist’s precision with narrative abstraction, and the emotional heat in his always jolting (in the best possible way) reds, oranges, and blues.
—Vince Aletti, New Yorker, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for jolt
Noun
This could cause jolts in the energy markets.
—Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 4 Mar. 2026
The Saints got an instant jolt of energy after Bainbridge’s layup, Addie Schilb’s runner on the wing and Brooklyn Schilb’s 3-pointer.
—Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026
Verb
Yet the surge in costs for oil and natural gas is still pushing fuel prices higher, cascading through other industries and jolting Asian economies that are especially vulnerable due to the region’s heavy reliance on imports from the Middle East.
—Elaine Kurtenbach, Chicago Tribune, 8 Mar. 2026
Several lithographs are elegantly presented, and display the artist’s precision with narrative abstraction, and the emotional heat in his always jolting (in the best possible way) reds, oranges, and blues.
—Vince Aletti, New Yorker, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for jolt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jolt
Noun
-
In June 2025, electronic interference with navigation systems was thought to be a factor in the collision between two oil tankers, Adalynn and Front Eagle, off the coast of the UAE, Bockmann and Faragher noted.—
Katie Hunt,
CNN Money,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Even a single collision in orbit can become catastrophic; these satellites are moving at speeds many times faster than a rifle bullet, and a direct hit from one creates a cloud of shrapnel.—
Phil Plait,
Scientific American,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
His regular customers did not mention anything — not a surprise from clientele who know not to share classified information — but Esparza has been around long enough to sense that the Marines who were coming in to replace gear like sleeping bags and warm clothing were preparing to ship out.—
Hannah Fry,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
-
The jacket layers easily under a winter coat, works well on its own in spring and fall, and is water-resistant for surprise rain.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Witnesses described the Israeli airstrikes as particularly intense, shaking homes in the area.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Hopes for any stability and settling out, however, have been quickly shaken.—
Alicia Wallace,
CNN Money,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
This White House has also gone out of its way to slow or halt the development of solar and wind power, including multiple attempts to yank permits for offshore wind projects that have all been rejected by courts.—
Rob Pegoraro,
PC Magazine,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Grand Rapids yanked Sherlock with 44 seconds to play, and the extra man paid off as Jameson Duell scored 15 seconds later to tie the game and send it into overtime.—
Andrew Cornelius,
Twin Cities,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Even the assistants were shocked the red card was shown.—
Ali Rampling,
New York Times,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Uretsky, who moved to Los Angeles from the East Coast about six years ago, said he was initially shocked by the region’s high cost of living.—
Iris Kwok,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
There was a sudden, loud thump, and Bernie Watermolen brought us awake with a yell that was enough to raise the dead.—
Doris DeCleene,
Outdoor Life,
25 Feb. 2026
-
Pitchers and catchers report This week, Albernaz gets a glimpse of his pitching staff and catchers, before the thump of an offensive lineup joins the workouts.—
Adam Thompson,
CBS News,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Later, when Tristan gently put his hand on Marke’s shoulder, the king shuddered.—
Scott Cantrell,
Dallas Morning News,
3 Mar. 2026
-
People shuddered at the sight of it, or groaned, or covered their eyes.—
Sam Kriss,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Don't jerk the steering wheel, as the overreaction can cause the vehicle to slide further or roll.—
Christa Swanson,
CBS News,
7 Mar. 2026
-
Giddey stopped, the ball cradled in his palm, shouting while jerking his hand in the rough direction of his intended pass.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Jolt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jolt. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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