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 An array of onboard sensors help avoid collisions in the air. — New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2026 Severe injuries can occur because of the forces experienced during a ride, collisions, problems with restraints or other mechanical and operational incidents. — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026 According to the scientists, following this bright outburst, there was likely an extreme collision between two galaxy clusters. — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 16 Oct. 2026 In September, Aurora reported that its trucks had clocked more than 500,000 driverless miles with zero at-fault collisions, and plans to have 200 big rigs on the road by year’s end. — Joe Mullich, Time, 15 Oct. 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
  • The character was killed in a helicopter crash in Amritsar, Indian that also involved the Indian Prime Minister.
    — Peter White, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026
  • After co-headlining with Charli xcx at the peak of Brat Summer, Sivan was struck by his post-show emotional crash, when the roar of stadiums gave way to the quiet of being totally on his own.
    — Harry Tafoya, Pitchfork, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of crash
Noun
  • She is accused of tampering with or fabricating physical evidence and failing to stop and remain on scene of an accident involving death, the statement said.
    — Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Major disruptions in game traffic were not anticipated by authorities because of the wide publicity that the accident had received.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of accident
Noun
  • While Pope Leo's lung cancer diagnosis may have come as a shock to Catholics this week, the prognosis is likely a lot less scary.
    — Scott Detrow, NPR, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The initial shock of this freak accident is well-handled, notably when Jay tries to scramble up the whale’s jawline by climbing its teeth.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of shock
Noun
  • Ishibashi makes for a resilient and empathetic Junna, even as her character inevitably bears the brunt of much of the film’s divisive moralizing, while Emoto’s Morio is a quivering wreck of fragility and good intentions.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
  • That Stage 1 wreck was one of many difficult moments for playoff drivers through the afternoon.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of wreck
Noun
  • Energy-absorbing seats are designed to manage forces transmitted to occupants during an impact, potentially reducing injury risks.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Sullivan denied that the law would cut Medicaid for Alaskans, saying the Affordable Care Act had a greater impact and raised insurance premiums in the state drastically.
    — Matthew Choi The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of impact
Noun
  • In August of 2022, for example, more than a dozen people were injured after experiencing a violent jolt during the ride, according to court filings and state records reviewed by CNN.
    — Blake Ellis, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Majidi’s victory on Thursday night also gives Midday Meal an instantaneous jolt of Oscars buzz.
    — Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of jolt
Noun
  • But the knock on them has been the lack of thump in their lineup.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The brutalist thump of drummer Moe Tucker renders the showmen in Led Zeppelin and the Who irrelevant.
    — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of thump
Noun
  • Lynch was on the outside trying to gather herself after the vicious table slam.
    — Ryan Gaydos OutKick, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026
  • The 16th slam in Yankees postseason history gave Rice six RBIs, matching the franchise record for a postseason game accomplished by four other players.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 Sep. 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 19 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on collision

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about collision

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