Synonyms of collision

collision

noun

kə-ˈli-zhən 

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

• crash
• shock
• impact
• jolt
• thump
• slam
• concussion
• bump
• blow
• encounter
• pounding
• impingement
• contact
• slap
• kick
• strike
• jounce
• hit
• knock
• punch
• jar
• smash
• wallop
• buffet
• thrashing
• hammering
• rap
• battering
• bashing
• pummelling
• touch
• licking
• meeting
• pummeling
• clobbering
• bludgeoning
• lambasting

2

as in accident

the violent coming together of two bodies into destructive contact

a horrendous car collision on the highway

Synonyms & Similar Words

• crash
• accident
• wreck
• smashup
• concussion
• pileup
• smash
• crack-up
• destruction
• ruin
• demolishment

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

Recent Examples of collision

All these facets are forced into violent collision when the February 2022 invasion rolls around, turning the subjects’ lives (and in the process, the documentary itself) upside down. —Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 22 Feb. 2025

Are mid-air collisions common? Between 2005 to the fall of 2024, there have been 5,066near-midair collisions reported by any piloted aircraft, according to CBS News. —Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 21 Feb. 2025

And since air traffic controllers are critical in preventing collisions, the fact that there's a nationwide staffing shortage potentially leading to overworked controllers may not be helping those fears. —Yacob Reyes, Axios, 21 Feb. 2025

Officers were dispatched to the intersection of Montague Expressway and Mission College Boulevard just before 6:20 p.m. for a report of a traffic collision involving a motorcycle and a vehicle, the Santa Clara Police Department said in an advisory. —Jason Green, The Mercury News, 21 Feb. 2025