1
as in collision
a forceful coming together of two things
pack the glass vase so that it won't fall victim to any hard jolts in transit
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in surprise
something that makes a strong impression because it is so unexpected
the news of the CEO's sudden retirement was a jolt to us all
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in to shake
to make a series of small irregular or violent movements
the roller coaster car jerked and jolted as it coursed along the old wooden tracks
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to yank
to move or cause to move with a sharp quick motion
she jolted the door open with her elbow
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to shock
to cause an unpleasant surprise for
the sneak terrorist attack jolted the country out of its indolence and indifference
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of jolt
Ars Technica, 12 Mar. 2025
A couple of jolts and bumps during a flight is expected, but certain routes have more than their fair share of stomach-dropping turbulence.
—Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 5 Mar. 2025
Courtenay Brown, Axios, 6 Mar. 2025
Earlier in the week, Pete Hegseth, Mr. Trump’s defense secretary, jolted Kyiv and European allies of Ukraine by saying in a meeting with NATO and Ukrainian defense ministers in Brussels that the United States did not support Ukraine’s desire to join NATO as part of a peace plan.
—Yonette Joseph, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for jolt
Noun
The company received a jolt of stability in 2023 when the French satellite operator Eutelsat acquired OneWeb at a valuation of $3.4 billion.
—Ars Technica, 12 Mar. 2025
A couple of jolts and bumps during a flight is expected, but certain routes have more than their fair share of stomach-dropping turbulence.
—Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 5 Mar. 2025
Verb
What to watch: There is growing evidence that tariff uncertainty might jolt the global economy.
—Courtenay Brown, Axios, 6 Mar. 2025
Earlier in the week, Pete Hegseth, Mr. Trump’s defense secretary, jolted Kyiv and European allies of Ukraine by saying in a meeting with NATO and Ukrainian defense ministers in Brussels that the United States did not support Ukraine’s desire to join NATO as part of a peace plan.
—Yonette Joseph, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for jolt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jolt
Noun
-
At the time of January’s collision one controller was handling two positions, the National Transportation Safety Board noted.—
Alexandra Skores,
CNN Money,
2 Apr. 2025
-
The asteroid is now logged as a harmless 0, meaning there’s no likelihood of a collision.—
Amanda Kooser,
Forbes.com,
2 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
More than anything, the biggest surprise here has to be the presence of the 2024 Finals MVP (Jaylen Brown) on this list, despite appearing in 60 of the Boston Celtics’ 76 games to this point.—
Mat Issa,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
-
The reaction suggested that the scale of the tariffs had come as a surprise.—
Justin Porter,
New York Times,
4 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
In the past, Boston has been able to shake off adversity and remain successful.—
Carol Schram,
Forbes.com,
31 Mar. 2025
-
New tariffs take effect this week upending global alliances, shaking business and consumer confidence, and rattling the markets.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
30 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Two nights after being yanked in the first period in Tampa Bay, Jarry again was pulled after allowing four goals, this time on 12 shots.—
Josh Yohe,
New York Times,
28 Mar. 2025
-
President Donald Trump’s decision to yank the nomination of Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) to become U.S. ambassador to the United Nations is the latest sign Republicans have a special election problem.—
W. James Antle III,
The Washington Examiner,
28 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Read: Where science and miracles meet Pagels isn’t trying to shock the faithful.—
Judith Shulevitz,
The Atlantic,
1 Apr. 2025
-
Rockland County legislator Beth Davidson, a Democrat who is running to unseat Lawler in 2026, said communities in her district were shocked to find out the rug was pulled out from under them for important local priorities.—
Dave Goldiner,
New York Daily News,
31 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Rami Sinno is crouched beside a filing cabinet, wrestling a beach-ball sized disc out of a box, when a dull thump echoes around his laboratory.—
Billy Perrigo,
Time,
2 Apr. 2025
-
Then the silence was broken by the loud thump of Olive’s .38/40.—
Horace R. Hinkley,
Outdoor Life,
19 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The revelation struck Tamie deeply, prompting her to leave a $40 tip and record a TikTok video asking viewers to help make a difference.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
4 Apr. 2025
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The revelation of federal government leaders discussing a classified military attack in a Signal chat with a journalist present spotlighted how not to keep information secure.—
Megan Poinski,
Forbes.com,
3 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Most residents in the beachfront luxury condominium at Surfside were asleep in their beds when their 12-story residential building shuddered and then collapsed, pinning sleeping residents between the heavy concrete slabs of each floor.—
Bruce Strom,
Sun Sentinel,
6 Apr. 2025
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Image Wall Street shuddered in response, with early market reaction pointing to a further slide in the stock market and a weakening dollar.—
Natasha Frost,
New York Times,
3 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Jolt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jolt. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
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