Thesaurus results for COLLISION

Q: How is the word 'collision' different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of collision are concussion , impact , and shock . While all these words mean "a forceful, even violent contact between two or more things," collision implies the coming together of two or more things with such force that both or all are damaged or their progress is severely impeded. // the collision damaged the vehicle

Q: In what contexts can 'concussion' take the place of 'collision'?

The synonyms concussion and collision are sometimes interchangeable, but concussion when not in technical use, often suggests the shattering, disrupting, or weakening effects of a collision, explosion, or blow. // bystanders felt the concussion of the blast

Q: When could 'impact' be used to replace 'collision'?

In some situations, the words impact and collision are roughly equivalent. However, impact may be used to imply contact between two things, at least one of which is impelled toward the other. // the glass shattered on impact with the floor

Q: When might 'shock' be a better fit than 'collision'?

The words shock and collision are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, shock often denotes the effect produced by a collision and carries the suggestion of something that strikes or hits with force. // the shock of falling rocks

collision

noun

kə-ˈli-zhən

Definition of collision next

as in crash

a forceful coming together of two things the collision of two opposing philosophies regarding the rearing of children

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in accident

the violent coming together of two bodies into destructive contact a horrendous car collision on the highway

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word collision different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of collision are concussion, impact, and shock. While all these words mean "a forceful, even violent contact between two or more things," collision implies the coming together of two or more things with such force that both or all are damaged or their progress is severely impeded.

the collision damaged the vehicle

In what contexts can concussion take the place of collision?

The synonyms concussion and collision are sometimes interchangeable, but concussion when not in technical use, often suggests the shattering, disrupting, or weakening effects of a collision, explosion, or blow.

bystanders felt the concussion of the blast

When could impact be used to replace collision?

In some situations, the words impact and collision are roughly equivalent. However, impact may be used to imply contact between two things, at least one of which is impelled toward the other.

the glass shattered on impact with the floor

When might shock be a better fit than collision?

The words shock and collision are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, shock often denotes the effect produced by a collision and carries the suggestion of something that strikes or hits with force.

the shock of falling rocks

Examples 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 collision Of course, the collision never occurred, the world didn't end in 2012 and no astronomer has ever found a planet on a collision course with Earth. —

Ailsa Harvey, Space.com, 17 Jan. 2025 The collision left a hole in the wing at the aircraft, which had been fighting the Pacific Palisades fire, was grounded for five days for repairs. —

David Hambling, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025 The videos highlight the collision taking place online between the law, which Congress passed with wide support last year, and everyday users of TikTok, who are dismayed that the app may soon disappear. —

Madison Malone Kircher, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025 Crash investigators determined that high speed was a factor in the collision and that the driver was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash, police said. —

Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for collision

Recent Examples of Synonyms for collision

Noun

Like other Genesis researchers, McKeegan underscores that, unfortunately, what many people remember about Genesis is the crash.

— Leonard David, Space.com, 19 Jan. 2025
Now, the gulf left by Khun Vichai’s tragic death in the 2018 helicopter crash has never seemed bigger.

— Rob Tanner, The Athletic, 19 Jan. 2025