collision

noun

kə-ˈli-zhən How to pronounce collision (audio)
Definition of collisionnext
1
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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2
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

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 collision Witnesses to the crash or residents in the area with surveillance video that captured the collision have been asked to contact Plainville Officer Annese at 860-747-1616. —Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 8 May 2026 Each drone carries radar systems, optical cameras, and collision-avoidance artificial intelligence. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 7 May 2026 The collision separated the truck's cab from the trailer, which appeared to be hauling a large pavement grinder. —Kris Habermehl, CBS News, 7 May 2026 See a new angle of the collision. —Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 7 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for collision
Recent Examples of Synonyms for collision
  1. crash
  2. accident
  3. shock
  4. wreck
  5. impact
  6. jolt
  7. thump
  8. slam
Noun
  • The dot-com crash was disastrous for the company and Turner, the largest individual shareholder in the combined company.
    — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 7 May 2026
  • Those incidents surfaced more than a year after Devin Willock and recruiting staff member Chandler LeCroy were killed in a car crash in 2023.
    — Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 7 May 2026
Definition of crash
Noun
  • It should be noted that most nuclear power plants have run without accidents for decades, and nuclear power plants have many safeguards in place to prevent problems, according to the World Nuclear Association.
    — Krisztian Elcsics, Hartford Courant, 12 May 2026
  • Frontier representatives declined to answer questions about the accident and evacuation submitted by email.
    — Mead Gruver, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
Definition of accident
Noun
  • Retail’s hiring surge reflects growing optimism that consumers will keep spending in the face of economic shocks, Stahle said.
    — Alex Harring, CNBC, 10 May 2026
  • Strains of hantavirus can result in hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, characterized by fever, gastrointestinal symptoms, rapid progression to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome and shock, like in individuals on the MV Hondius cruise ship, according to the World Health Organization.
    — Allison Kiehl, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2026
Definition of shock
Noun
  • The Dolphins, under first-year head coach Jeff Hatley, figure to be a bit of a wreck in 2026.
    — Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 6 May 2026
  • Tesla is recalling over 218,000 vehicles because when drivers reverse, the rearview camera image may lag, potentially causing wrecks and injuries, according to a notice posted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
    — Saleen Martin, USA Today, 6 May 2026
Definition of wreck
Noun
  • Anunoby’s early exit came hours after Brown lauded his impact.
    — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 7 May 2026
  • Once again charming viewers with his native Australian accent, the actor remains effortlessly entertaining while using his charisma to neutralize caustic dialogue that would flatten a less likable performer on impact.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 6 May 2026
Definition of impact
Noun
  • Damon did all that and helped start the show off with an extra jolt of energy by returning as Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh in the cold open, along with last week’s ringer, Aziz Ansari, as FBI Director Kash Patel.
    — Omar L. Gallaga, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026
  • But each of those Eastern Conference rebuilds does not figure to receive an immediate jolt up the standings with one more lottery pick.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 9 May 2026
Definition of jolt
Noun
  • The Yankees need Wells to provide at least some thump in a bottom third of the order that hasn’t been very good.
    — Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Moments later, a bass thump sounded in the distance.
    — Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026
Definition of thump
Noun
  • Hathaway, on a two-on-one with Luke Glendening, saw his point-blank slam-dunk try denied by the left pad of Andersen, and in the closing seconds, Dvorak’s shot from the slot, set up by Konecny, rang off the inside of the post.
    — Sean Gentille, New York Times, 10 May 2026
  • On paper, the D Line should be a slam-dunk for Los Angeles mass transit.
    — Jenny Jarvie, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2026
Definition of slam

Browse Nearby Words

colligating
collision
collisions
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Collision.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/collision. Accessed 13 May. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on collision

Nglish: Translation of collision for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about collision

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