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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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 That’s a meaningful jolt for a Federal Reserve wrestling with five years of inflation above its 2% target. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 10 Sep. 2026

Verb

Midway through the second quarter, the scoreboard and clock jolted to life. — David Ubben, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026 The wake-up factor scale rates beverages that’ll put you to sleep versus ones that’ll jolt you awake (based on qualitative factors, not necessarily measured caffeine content). — Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for jolt

Recent Examples of Synonyms for jolt

Noun

For the latter, this is vital to enable the safe passage of ships through shipping lanes, into and out of ports, all the while preventing collisions and aiding activities like search and rescue.

— Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2026
That group, which focuses on efforts to reduce the number of fatal vehicle collisions, has produced dozens of digital campaign ads promoting Raman and criticizing her opponent, Mayor Karen Bass.

— David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of collision

Noun

Because every moment is narrated in Ugandan Sign Language and International Sign, Deaf travelers are more deeply immersed in the experience, and a welcome hush falls over the environment—which is, surprise, appreciated by the wildlife too.

— CNT Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 2026
The killings typically played out in similar ways, with the victims – all strangers to Scott – approached while isolated and then apparently shot by surprise.

— Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of surprise

Verb

The policeman held on to Shorty’s biceps and shook them slightly, both giving the sense of a loving embrace and using his strength to lift Shorty ever so slightly off the ground and clear of the entrance.

— Anand Giridharadas, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2026
The trailer ends with Taylor-Johnson shaking and looking toward the sky as his transformation into a wolf appears to approach.

— Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of shake

Verb

The catch is that the number of neutrons in the universe plummeted during the game, like chairs being yanked out of line.

— Cara Giovanetti, The Conversation, 25 Sep. 2026
However, multiple lab-wide reorganizations after NASA yanked its flagship Mars project increased the overhead for other projects like GRACE-Continuity.

— Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of yank

Noun

The brutalist thump of drummer Moe Tucker renders the showmen in Led Zeppelin and the Who irrelevant.

— Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026
The Giants lineup even lacked Rafael Devers’ considerable thump for the first time since the Giants traded for him last summer.

— Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of thump

Verb

McDonald’s shares fell nearly 5% Wednesday, their largest percentage drop since April 2025, as investors shuddered at the eye-popping price of improving McDonald’s 46,000 global stores.

— Dee-Ann Durbin, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026
The walls of my office violently shuddered and smoke filled the hallway — but no evacuation alarm ever sounded.

— Marc A. Thiessen, Washington Post, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of shudder

Verb

And like any great sitcom, Friends runs the gamut from numbing brain-rot to tear-jerking sentimentality.

— Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 9 Sep. 2026
Even after a bailiff woke him up, Martin slumped over in his wheelchair, inside a courtroom bullpen, occasionally jerking and opening his eyes.

— Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 8 Sep. 2026