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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 of impact in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
In New York, Sharpton, whose actual birthday fell on Oct. 3, also discussed the impact of the Triumph Awards from the podium. Chris Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 Oct. 2024 In Search of a Playbook for Defeating Disinformation and Winning Election, has warned of the potential impact on down-ballot races in particular, where voters are less familiar with the candidates. Ted Johnson, Deadline, 31 Oct. 2024
Verb
November is National Diabetes Awareness Month and a great reminder that everyone impacted by diabetes and prediabetes deserves the chance to live a fulfilling life. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024 The Bureau of Labor Statistics cautioned that the report was impacted by hurricanes and the strike at Boeing. Jesse Pound,sophie Kiderlin, CNBC, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for impact 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'impact.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near impact

Cite this Entry

“Impact.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impact. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on impact

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