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
• licking
• touch
• 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

At least two vehicle collisions involving ICE arrests have been reported in the Chicago area in the last month. —Laura Rodríguez Presa, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2026

The collision occurred Friday evening in the Bedford area, north of London, according to British Transport Police. —Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 19 June 2026

An independent 2018 analysis from Car and Driver compared Volvo models made between 1999–2006 with those made between 2007–2015, and found that the newer models had a 36 percent reduction in windshield deformation following collisions. —Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 18 June 2026

Seventeen years old at the time of the incident, Mackenzie Shirilla is the unlikely perpetrator of The Crash, which details the nearly 100-mile-per-hour car collision that killed Dominic Russo and Davion Flanagan in 2022. —Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 18 June 2026