IMPACT Synonyms: 193 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

impact 1 of 2

noun

ˈim-ˌpakt

Definition of impact

as in effect

the power to bring about a result on another the execution had such a powerful impact on her that she became a crusader for the abolition of capital punishment

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in collision

a forceful coming together of two things the glass shattered immediately upon impact with the floor

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in effectiveness

the quality of an utterance that provokes interest and produces an effect the story has real dramatic impact

Synonyms & Similar Words

impact

2 of 2

verb

im-ˈpakt

as in to influence

to act upon (a person or a person's feelings) so as to cause a response the tragic loss of his father impacted the boy for the rest of his life

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to bump

to come into usually forceful contact with something the damage sustained when a car going 40 miles an hour impacts with a brick wall

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

miss
skirt

as in to root

to set solidly in or as if in surrounding matter the bullet was found impacted in the police officer's protective vest

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 impact

Noun

Despite the high impact products involved in creating the looks, the overall effect still somehow felt effortless. — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026 Ukraine’s Ministry of Economy is revising downward its GDP growth forecast in 2026 due to the impact of Russian attacks, which have restricted exports, especially grain through Black Sea ports. — ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026

Verb

The potential for misuse and physical dependence impacts the severity of adverse effects linked to buprenorphine. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026 Prince William and Princess Kate paused paused their summer holiday away from the public eye to offer condolences to those impacted by the catastrophic floods that swept through Nepal and neighboring parts of China. — Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for impact

Recent Examples of Synonyms for impact

Noun

Finally, Angel Martinez captured this gorgeous shot of the eclipsed Sturgeon Moon setting behind a cluster of skyscrapers in Madrid, Spain, as atmospheric effects distorted the true color and outline of the lunar disk.

— Anthony Wood, Space.com, 28 Aug. 2026
As climate change exacerbates the heat, experts say the negative effects of sizzling classrooms are here to stay, especially in school districts that may not have the resources to combat hotter weather.

— Justin Klawans, TheWeek, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of effect

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

Implement a digital visual-management platform across six facilities to standardize workflows and improve infection prevention, care coordination, workforce effectiveness, quality, and patient safety.

— Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 27 Aug. 2026
Apart from the penalty, Meta agreed as part of the settlement to algorithmic changes that could dampen engagement and the effectiveness of its advertising, dampening investor sentiment toward the resolution of the case.

— Tobias Burns, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of effectiveness

Verb

Prepare a small plant pot with potting mix, dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone powder, and plant the cutting in the pot.

— Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 30 Aug. 2026
Their ambition rooted from high school stardom is to land a scholarship at a four-year program, which is easier said than done, given the amount of players across the country scrambling for such chances.

— JOE DAVIDSON, Sacbee.com, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of root

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 first prince of Norwegian descent born in 567 years, his birth held special significance for the young Norwegian monarchy.

— Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026
Two days later, then-Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin canceled them, saying a decision of such significance should rest with him.

— Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of significance

Browse Nearby Words

imp

impact

impacted

See all Nearby Words

Articles Related to impact

Cite this Entry

Style

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

Copy Citation

Synonyms of impact

noun

verb

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of...

Funner, Stupider, and Other Words That...

Yes, 'Impact' Is a Verb

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on impact

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

conscientious

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Popular in Wordplay

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes