1
as in to tumble
to fall down or in as a result of physical pressure
the motel balcony collapsed under the weight of so many people
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to fail
to be unsuccessful
the legal case collapsed in the face of the opposition's evidence
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to compress
to reduce in size or volume by or as if by pressing parts or members together
the novel collapses events from four separate trips into one long odyssey
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in exhaustion
a complete depletion of energy or strength
suffered a mental collapse under the strain of studying for his bar exam
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in defeat
a falling short of one's goals
the complete collapse of the invasion set off a round of finger-pointing and recrimination
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 collapse
Makena Gera, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025
In places like Haiti, ravaged by gang violence, governance has almost all but collapsed.
—Nora Gamez Torres, Miami Herald, 10 Oct. 2025
Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Oct. 2025
Consistent with organizational theory, ambiguity about universities’ role in society could lead many institutions to become increasingly susceptible to corporate co-optation, political interference and eventual collapse.
—Chris Wegemer, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for collapse
Verb
Lewis and Picardo collapsed into tears, and Candy’s family was shocked.
—Makena Gera, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025
In places like Haiti, ravaged by gang violence, governance has almost all but collapsed.
—Nora Gamez Torres, Miami Herald, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
Unlike frosts, a hard freeze causes plants to wilt, collapse, turn brown or black, or become mushy.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Oct. 2025
Consistent with organizational theory, ambiguity about universities’ role in society could lead many institutions to become increasingly susceptible to corporate co-optation, political interference and eventual collapse.
—Chris Wegemer, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for collapse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for collapse
Verb
-
The porcinis tumbled onto the kitchen counter in a sorry state.—
Callie Sumlin,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
15 Oct. 2025
-
Several of Ship's six Raptor engines conked out toward the end of its ascent burn, and the vehicle began to tumble.—
Mike Wall,
Space.com,
14 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Still down 20-17, the Razorbacks failed on fourth-and-5 from the Tennessee 25 later in the third quarter, and quarterback Taylen Green lost his second fumble of the game early in the fourth at the Arkansas 19.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
12 Oct. 2025
-
The following year, several lawmakers were accused of failing to report income or disclose kickbacks, deepening public frustration.—
Hanako Montgomery,
CNN Money,
11 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Multiverse’s argument that compressed models significantly cut energy use might also not hold up over time, because cheaper, more accessible AI models will likely attract billions more users.—
Vivienne Walt,
Fortune,
9 Oct. 2025
-
The pieces compress easily when not in use, and the pillowcase sleeve slips right over your suitcase handle for easy transport.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Tatar says these small but impactful changes compound over time, helping both workers and executives avoid the exhaustion and inefficiency that can come with new office mandates.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
9 Oct. 2025
-
Not one time mentioning his exhaustion or lack of sleep going into a show day.—
Hannah Sacks,
PEOPLE,
8 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Morrissey believes Mizzou will be able to compete with the Crimson Tide, unlike last year’s 34-0 shutout defeat on the road.—
Maddie Hartley,
Kansas City Star,
9 Oct. 2025
-
And when the intensity hovers, and the footsteps of defeat get closer, that’s when Gray cooks.—
Marcus Thompson II,
New York Times,
9 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Every time a product goes viral, trendsetters always start looking for the next iteration of it—from Sambas to now, Labubus.—
Katie Decker-Jacoby,
StyleCaster,
13 Oct. 2025
-
Rush threw for 72 yards with an interception, while Huntley went 10-of-15 for 68 yards, while also rushing for 39 yards.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
13 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Amina blows her mom a kiss and then flops down in her crib, pretending to be asleep.—
Daniella Gray,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Oct. 2025
-
This drama — a remake of an Oscar-winning Argentine film — flopped mightily upon release, but Roberts was quite compelling in it.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Freeman took rookie Chad Patrick deep for the first Dodgers run, and his teammates squeezed a second run out of Brewers closer Abner Uribe in the ninth.—
Andy McCullough,
New York Times,
14 Oct. 2025
-
Nara announced the cute name in a post on her Instagram showing little Fawnie curled up in soft blankets, along with a video clip squeezing her tiny hand.—
Sarah Scott,
Parents,
14 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Collapse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/collapse. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share