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

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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

She had been reminded of his anniversary just days earlier in a Facebook Memory, but the sound of his voice was a visceral jolt. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026 The idea that posits that a little bit of red in a room elevates otherwise boring compositions with an unexpected jolt of energy. — Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2026

Verb

The imminent arrival of the Kelvin wave comes as California has jolted into emergency mode. — Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026 This time the message went off-roading, traveling through the animal’s tissue as a faint electrical pulse and switching on an implant that jolted a nerve in that leg. — Peter Hall, Scientific American, 29 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for jolt

Recent Examples of Synonyms for jolt

Noun

The collision comes months after Independence police tightened restrictions on high-speed pursuits after years of scrutiny over the department's driving practices.

— Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
When a conjunction is probable, SSA/STC service providers alert the operators involved, who then decide whether to undertake a collision-avoidance maneuver.

— David Zamora, Space.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of collision

Noun

From a computational perspective, Friston argues, attempting to reduce uncertainty—basically, working to avoid unpleasant surprises—is the brain’s primary goal.

— Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
Students had a surprise visitor — Kendall Jenner, who popped in to their classroom, looking way collegiate in an all-white outfit and sweater around her neck.

— Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of surprise

Verb

The company has sought to significantly reduce costs in Africa since the MultiChoice buyout, with streamer Showmax discontinued earlier this year in a move that shocked the local industry.

— Max Goldbart, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2026
At school the next day, students are still shocked by what happened.

— Olivia Young, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026