Thesaurus results for COLLISION

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

collision

noun

kə-ˈli-zhən

Definition of collision next

as in crash

a forceful coming together of two things the collision of two opposing philosophies regarding the rearing of children

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in accident

the violent coming together of two bodies into destructive contact a horrendous car collision on the highway

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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 collision The collision was reported at 1:18 p.m. in what was described as snowy conditions, according to Connecticut State Police. —

Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 7 Jan. 2025 When particles collide at extremely high speeds, other particles stream away from the collision like wreckage flung away from a crash between two vehicles. —

Robert Lea, Space.com, 7 Jan. 2025 These features enable the RT-G to navigate complex environments while avoiding collisions with people and objects. —

Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 3 Jan. 2025 Investigators believe speed was a factor in the collision. —

Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for collision

Recent Examples of Synonyms for collision

Noun

The crash ruptured the home's gas meter, causing a hazardous leak and forcing the evacuation of nearby homes.

Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY, 8 Jan. 2025
In May 2023, 26-year-old deputy Brett Harris died a week after being critically injured in a car crash in San Jacinto.

Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2025