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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Relevance

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

World Cup enthusiasm has given a jolt to prediction market platform Rothera, a joint venture between Susquehanna International Group and Robinhood. — Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 4 July 2026 With the crowd split roughly down the middle with Australia and Egypt supporters, the fans wearing yellow got a clear first jolt of energy from the 22-year-old. — Jim Barnes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 July 2026

Verb

As The Guardian reported, there was hope that the project could bring Gulf money to this area of Türkiye, offering an economic boost and jolt for local businesses. — Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 16 July 2026 More recently, the country’s military modernization program has been jolted by revelations of corruption at the highest levels of the People’s Liberation Army, including practically the entire top command of the rocket force. — Andy Browne, semafor.com, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for jolt

Recent Examples of Synonyms for jolt

Noun

The violent collision has reignited concerns about e-bikes and pedestrian safety, particularly in the iconic Manhattan park.

— Lincoln Anderson, New York Daily News, 25 July 2026
The coverage offered by a credit card likely only covers a collision damage waiver (CDW) that reimburses you for damage or theft of a rental vehicle.

— Terry Savage, Chicago Tribune, 25 July 2026

Definition of collision

Noun

Johnson and Sweat were surprises, but LaFleur said neither situation is serious and both should practice soon.

— Doug Haller, New York Times, 24 July 2026
That kind of preparation could eventually help machines like this home robot designed to cook, clean and handle the clutter and surprises found in everyday homes.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 July 2026

Definition of surprise

Verb

The case exposed serious weaknesses in financial oversight and shook public confidence in institutions responsible for protecting taxpayer dollars.

— Malia M Cohen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 July 2026
With the room shaking, the show’s producer, Bob Johnston, plotted a course toward the nearest group of guards.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 July 2026

Definition of shake

Verb

In recent months, numerous automakers have yanked EVs from the market, delayed new arrivals, and canceled their plans to debut new EVs.

— Tim Levin, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026
Normally, a pitcher with that pitch count who had given up just one run and two hits would not get yanked so quickly, but the Angels clearly had seen red flags during the previous inning.

— Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 22 July 2026

Definition of yank

Verb

Was the plan to shock the Front Range into action to save the transit agency?

— The Denver Post Editorial Board, Denver Post, 24 July 2026
At his metronomic best for a DR Congo team who nearly shocked England in the round of 32, Sadiki’s boundless energy carried over from the domestic season.

— Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 24 July 2026

Definition of shock

Verb

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
These seemingly innocuous incidents attain new significance as they’re revisited alongside a slow crescendo that suddenly turns to shuddering piano chords on the track’s bridge.

— Nick Ayres DeMasi, Pitchfork, 1 July 2026

Definition of shudder

Verb

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also advises against twisting or jerking the tick.

— Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 15 July 2026
Watching their relationship devolve (never more so than when their sperm donor, a rakish, motorcycle-driving restaurant owner played by Mark Ruffalo, enters the scene) is most definitely a tear-jerking experience, as is the film’s final scene.

— Liam Hess, Vogue, 28 June 2026