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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of jolt
Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 26 May 2026
Few other avenues provide the necessary jolt to make up the miles-wide gap between Minnesota and the Thunder and Spurs.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 26 May 2026
Mariam Fam, Chicago Tribune, 25 May 2026
Alex Hahn and Brayden Hatcher scored for a 4-3 lead, and the Longhorn offense jolted to life.
—Jack Leo, AJC.com, 24 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for jolt
Noun
The sudden jolt forced the spins to reorganize.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 26 May 2026
Few other avenues provide the necessary jolt to make up the miles-wide gap between Minnesota and the Thunder and Spurs.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 26 May 2026
Verb
Prices have spiked for oil, gas and several related products, jolting the world economy.
—Mariam Fam, Chicago Tribune, 25 May 2026
Alex Hahn and Brayden Hatcher scored for a 4-3 lead, and the Longhorn offense jolted to life.
—Jack Leo, AJC.com, 24 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for jolt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jolt
Noun
-
This is no coincidence; galactic mergers are more likely at the cluster’s gravitational center, and astronomers think the chaos of such collisions helps give ellipticals their characteristic spheroidal shape.—
Phil Plait,
Scientific American,
29 May 2026
-
The Idaho Transportation Department plans to restripe a section of Interstate 84 between Meridian and Nampa, in the days after work-zone lane markings caused confusion among drivers and at least one near collision.—
Rose Evans
May 29,
Idaho Statesman,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
Some of these are already established, but there all but guaranteed to be surprises in store as the tournament gets underway.—
Ian Servantes,
Footwear News,
31 May 2026
-
There is a sense of buoyancy in the squad, fresh off a celebratory club-wide parade and Shaw’s surprise signing announcement.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
31 May 2026
Verb
-
Hulst kept hammering lap after lap through the second mile but still could not shake Serna.—
Scott M. Reid,
Oc Register,
30 May 2026
-
Then stir or shake the solution until the sugar is completely dissolved.—
Rita Pelczar,
Better Homes & Gardens,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
Since early May, companies that used the dry milk powder in their food products have been yanking those products on the concern they might be contaminated with salmonella.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
31 May 2026
-
Manny Machado got the Padres back on top by yanking a home run down the left field line and off the foul pole in the fourth while King proceeded to mow down the Nationals with rare efficiency.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 May 2026
Verb
-
The Rockies scored five runs in the ninth on a three-run home run by Hunter Goodman and a walk-off, two-run homer by Ezequiel Tovar to shock the Giants in an electrifying 8-6 win at Coors Field.—
Patrick Saunders,
Denver Post,
30 May 2026
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Fans were shocked to learn a number of details about the actors behind Briar U’s charming student body, from who their real-life partners are to the fact that lead Ella Bright grew up in London and has a British accent.—
Bailey Bujnosek,
InStyle,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
Soon after, hearing the thump of ball on metal gate, Badri stepped outside to check if his message had been heeded.—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
29 May 2026
-
Agents yelled from every direction, and the thumps of a news helicopter overhead were deafening.—
Rob Picheta,
CNN Money,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
Nothing much really happens in this movie after Philip’s initial arrest, but the world viscerally shudders under Lucy’s feet every time one of her husband’s alibis falls apart.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
15 May 2026
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That brewery is taking over Headflyer's space after closing its own Nordeast taproom in 2023, then shuddering entirely last year before rising from the ashes months later.—
Anthony Bettin,
CBS News,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
In the summer of 2020, former Morgan Stanley trader Adam Crawley was wandering through Indonesia, Thailand and Australia, perfecting his qigong with a man called Master YanG, when a cold message on LinkedIn jerked him back to reality.—
Phoebe Liu,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2026
-
Don’t twist or jerk the tick, which can cause the mouth to break off in your skin.—
Don Sweeney,
Sacbee.com,
18 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Jolt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jolt. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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