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
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
Daryl Austin, USA Today, 26 July 2025
Needing a jolt at the half, Ramsay brought Robin Lod and Bongi Hlongwane off the bench for Carlos Harvey in central midfield and Julian Gressel at right wingback, respectively.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 27 July 2025
Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 25 July 2025
Reckoning this spring, on Jack Reacher and on Top Gun: Maverick, which helped jolt the box office out of deep Covid doldrums in 2022.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 24 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for jolt
Noun
No one wants to deal with the relentless ache, limited range of motion, stabbing jolts or that deep, burning throb that makes even turning your head feel impossible.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 26 July 2025
Needing a jolt at the half, Ramsay brought Robin Lod and Bongi Hlongwane off the bench for Carlos Harvey in central midfield and Julian Gressel at right wingback, respectively.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 27 July 2025
Verb
The mythological touches help to jolt audiences out of a particularly American mindset of looking for stages and skills and tests.
—Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 25 July 2025
Reckoning this spring, on Jack Reacher and on Top Gun: Maverick, which helped jolt the box office out of deep Covid doldrums in 2022.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 24 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for jolt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jolt
Noun
-
The Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined Berrios’ cause of death to be aortic laceration due to blunt force trauma of trunk and the manner of death to be accident (passenger in motor vehicle collision).—
Staff report,
Hartford Courant,
9 Aug. 2025
-
Alcohol and drug impairment did not appear to play a role in the collision, police said.—
Jason Green,
Mercury News,
8 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
No surprise for a superstar that has always known when – and what – to show.—
Jay Stahl,
USA Today,
14 Aug. 2025
-
Kansas lost multiple games in devastating fashion last season, which was a surprise to many — including myself.—
Shreyas Laddha,
Kansas City Star,
14 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Han shook off criticisms of the small ring by also noting that both Belly and Jeremiah are college students on a budget.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
People.com,
8 Aug. 2025
-
Rinse the greens in the empty side of the sink, then put the greens in the colander, rinse again, shake off, and rinse again.—
Amy Brightfield,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Rafael Devers came up next and yanked an 0-1 fastball up in the zone over the wall in right-center field.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 Aug. 2025
-
Sinner’s serve yanked him out to the left corner of the court.—
Matthew Futterman,
New York Times,
19 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
In October of 2023, Nascar first announced iRacing’s acquisition of the rights to the new video game title, shocking the world after Motorsport Games’ demise.—
Joseph Wolkin,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
-
His mother, Melissa, was shocked that the animal attacked despite the large crowd of people.—
Gabrielle Rockson,
People.com,
8 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Though the latter can play third base, both are primarily generating interest, however much might be out there, for their ability to add some thump to a contending team's lineup.—
Jackson Roberts,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 July 2025
-
The wolf was quite literally at the door of the blue house on Highway 49 in Sierra County, tearing apart an elk on the front porch as the college-age son of the owner sat alone inside, listening to the thumps and snarls and hoping the latch was secure.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
1 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The revelation got the attention of the folks who make Pop-Tarts, who begged Swift to release her recipe, even taking out a full-page ad in this very newspaper asking for it.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
14 Aug. 2025
-
Among the revelations on the podcast: Swift collaborated with Sabrina Carpenter for a track.—
James Hibberd,
HollywoodReporter,
14 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
This textural trend is known for its popularity in the 1970s, when homeowners and designers experimented with installing shag carpets on unexpected surfaces, such as ceilings and bathroom floors (shudder).—
Cori Sears,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 Aug. 2025
-
In 2001, however, production ceased, and the brewery shuddered.—
Katie Chang,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Jolt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jolt. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share