collision

noun

kə-ˈli-zhən How to pronounce collision (audio)
Definition of collisionnext
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

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2
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

Example 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 Police said there was no indication the driver involved in the collision was impaired. — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 28 Aug. 2026 Denver police continue to investigate the cause of the initial collision. — Tori Mason, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026 Seven passports — and ‘Vladimir Scorpius’ Nothing captured that collision quite like the debate over passports. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026 Police said at the time Shao was a passenger, on her way home from a trip, when Reyes-Vargas drove into oncoming traffic to get around a traffic jam, initiating a head-on collision. — Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for collision
Recent Examples of Synonyms for collision
  1. crash
  2. accident
  3. shock
  4. wreck
  5. impact
  6. jolt
  7. thump
  8. slam
Noun
  • Paul Rees, a driving consultant who was involved in the Top Gear crash, is also suing BBC Studios for £150,000 ($200,000) over the accident.
    — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The identities of the four people on board have not been released, and the cause of the crash remains under investigation.
    — Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of crash
Noun
  • Near-death experiences are frequently triggered by a life-threatening event, such as cardiac arrest, traumatic brain injury or a car accident.
    — Michael Collins, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The Unicorn Gundam wasn’t chosen by accident either; like the Nu Gundam, the Unicorn Gundam is one of the most popular designs in terms of model kit and toy sales.
    — Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of accident
Noun
  • But there are key things that are going to put upward pressure on inflation, besides tariffs and the oil price shock and the commodities supply chain shock that is flowing through now.
    — Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Breman noted that price shocks stemming from the Middle East conflict have not fully dissipated.
    — , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of shock
Noun
  • The teens walked away from the wreck with few injuries and tried to run, but authorities apprehended them shortly afterward, officials said.
    — Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The first big wreck came when David Malukas went into the wall and Sting Ray Robb could do little to avoid crashing into him coming around a turn.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of wreck
Noun
  • Freshman wide receiver Jonathon Lee is making an immediate impact on the program.
    — Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Therefore, analysts note that if extreme weather worsens water and power scarcity, the impact could ripple through the entire semiconductor supply chain.
    — , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of impact
Noun
  • Many reported the worst jolts to the head coming near the end.
    — Blake Ellis, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Nicki Minaj arrives with a playful verse that adds another jolt of personality before the song launches back into its dance-floor pulse.
    — Brittney Williams, Billboard, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of jolt
Noun
  • Their pitching is good, Griffin Jax could return soon, and Liam Hicks has added some thump to a lineup previously built around three really good hitters (Junior Caminero, Yandy Díaz, Jonathan Aranda) and a bunch of do-your-job role players.
    — Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The lower-vocal harmony struggles to stand out any time the deeper bass thumps.
    — Mark Knapp, PC Magazine, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of thump
Noun
  • Markey turned the opportunity into a slam against the president.
    — Nicholas Riccardi, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
  • His grand-slam-robbing catch was also flagged by the league as the play of the week.
    — Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of slam

Browse Nearby Words

colligating
collision
collisions
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Collision.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/collision. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on collision

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about collision

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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