Thesaurus results for CONCUSSION

Q: How is the word 'concussion' different from other nouns like it?

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

The words collision and concussion can be used in similar contexts, but 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: When can 'impact' be used instead of 'concussion'?

The synonyms impact and concussion are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 is 'shock' a more appropriate choice than 'concussion'?

The words shock and concussion 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

concussion

noun

kən-ˈkə-shən

Definition of concussion

as in collision

a forceful coming together of two things the concussion of the two football players sent them both to the ground

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in crash

the violent coming together of two bodies into destructive contact the theory that such a concussion, by a giant asteroid or comet millions of years ago, led to the extinction of the dinosaurs

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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

The words collision and concussion can be used in similar contexts, but 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

When can impact be used instead of concussion?

The synonyms impact and concussion are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 shock a more appropriate choice than concussion?

The words shock and concussion 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 concussion Walter Camp, known in his time as the father of football for his influence on organizing, game rules, and advocacy, covered up reports of concussion as early as 1894. — Emily Harrison, STAT, 31 Aug. 2026 Loyola also started a return-to-school program because students with concussions have headaches that also affects their school work. — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026 Last week, fourth quarterback Chris Oladokun suffered a concussion. — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 29 Aug. 2026 Our emergency departments see many fractures and concussions from high-speed crashes. — Michael Swartzon, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for concussion

Recent Examples of Synonyms for concussion

Noun

The collision was at least partially blamed for preventing the Reds from recording the third out and allowing the inning to continue.

— Chantz Martin OutKick, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026
The minibus taxi burst into flames and was reduced to a shell following the collision, according to local media, which published pictures of the wreckage.

— ABC News, ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of collision

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

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

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concur (with)

concussion

concussions

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“Concussion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/concussion. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of concussion

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