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impact

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verb

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Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of impact are collision, concussion, and shock. While all these words mean "a forceful, even violent contact between two or more things," 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 is it sensible to use collision instead of impact?

The meanings of collision and impact largely overlap; however, 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 impact?

In some situations, the words concussion and impact are roughly equivalent. However, 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 shock be used to replace impact?

The synonyms shock and impact are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 impact
Noun
Jaiswal, co-author of an article on the health impacts of blood cell clones in the 2023 Annual Review of Medicine, speculates that some clones might be better at populating brain tissue or clearing away toxic proteins. Amber Dance, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 Jan. 2025 Ashley is a senior policy reporter for Ars Technica, dedicated to tracking social impacts of emerging policies and new technologies. Ashley Belanger, Ars Technica, 17 Jan. 2025
Verb
Other creative ways people are lending a hand: LA Arts Community Fire Relief Fund: The Getty Museum and a coalition of arts organizations have established a fund to support artists impacted by the fires. Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY, 17 Jan. 2025 The local sports community has reached out to help those impacted by the massive wildfires that have devastated Los Angeles County for more than a week. Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for impact 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impact
Noun
  • Spoofing these systems to report incorrect location data could affect aircraft in flight—increasing the risk of collisions, forcing crews to execute additional maneuvers and generating false alarms.
    Eric Updyke, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
  • Miraculously, only one member of the Hooligan Navy was killed while serving, during a collision with a Dutch freighter.
    David Wolman, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Both of those rules will go into effect for the 77th Emmy Awards this year.
    Rick Porter, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Jan. 2025
  • The winter storm warning is set to go into effect around noon on Thursday and remain until 6 p.m. on Friday.
    Remington Miller, arkansasonline.com, 8 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Researchers accounted for factors that could influence the results, such as sleep duration, physical activity levels, smoking status, and diet quality.
    Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Since Swift first showed support for the Chiefs, she's dramatically influenced the team's demographic, in addition to the NFL's audience as a whole.
    Skyler Caruso, People.com, 18 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The common signs of vision loss include bumping into objects, difficulty finding food or toys, hesitation with jumping, anxiety, clinginess, or even aggression due to vulnerability.
    Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025
  • Finally, Trump sought to double the kitty available to NATO with the pronouncement that each country’s baseline for defense spending should be bumped to 5% of its gross domestic product.
    Philip Elliott, TIME, 7 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • As many as 10 hogs have been tearing up yards and rooting through trash left for garbage collectors, according to WFAA.
    Landon Mion, Fox News, 6 Jan. 2025
  • The southern tradition is rooted partly in a century-old revolt against the privileges granted to Brahmans, the priestly caste that sits at the top of Hinduism’s ancient social hierarchy.
    Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 2 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • But none of this was a shock given the provenance, quality, and looks of this Bugatti.
    Ben Oliver, Robb Report, 14 Jan. 2025
  • In one of the biggest shocks in UFC history, Holm dominated Rousey in the opening round of their bout at the Etihad Stadium, then spectacularly knocked her out with a head kick early in the second round to capture the title and become a two-sport world champion.
    John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Wallace commented on the significance of focusing on his mental and physical health, aiming to kick off the year on a positive note.
    Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 2025
  • What’s the significance of finally having federal guidelines for the clean hydrogen credit?
    Alan Ohnsman, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • In the past, the state's transportation and electricity infrastructure has been severely affected by extreme cold events.
    Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025
  • Presley and Carter appreciated the culture and were affected by the music of their African American friends and neighbors such as church services filled with emotional gospel music.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 7 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near impact

Cite this Entry

“Impact.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impact. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

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