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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in collision

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

In a sign of the impact on the party, MK canceled its flagship Siyathatha rally less than three weeks before South Africa’s municipal elections. — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 16 Oct. 2026 The impact of shifting timelines underscores how heavily this year’s issuance expectations depend on a handful of unusually large companies. — Jeff Jacobs, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Verb

The disease predominantly impacts African Americans and minorities. — ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026 The governor says the EIDL loans are available to businesses in Crowley, El Paso, Fremont, Huerfano, Las Animas, Lincoln, Otero, and Saguache Counties in recognition that the fire impacted nearby areas. — Christa Swanson, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for impact

Recent Examples of Synonyms for impact

Noun

Forecasters say this year's could be among the strongest on record, and its effects are already being felt across South America and far beyond.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2026
In one example, the institution’s claim that California’s minimum wage law for fast-food workers had devastated the job market for those workers was tripped up by its failure to recognize the effect of seasonal adjustments in employment statistics.

— Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of effect

Noun

Argentina goalkeeper Emi Martinez was taken to the hospital with a head injury after receiving about 10 minutes of treatment following a nasty-looking collision while playing for Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
Also, passenger road vehicles use safety features like steel bumpers and crumple zones to absorb impact forces during collisions.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of collision

Noun

The effectiveness of the approach will depend on how well the systems perform under operational conditions and against evolving electronic warfare threats.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026
That recommendation went against the scientific conclusion of FDA’s staff scientists, who reiterated that none of the peptides had been studied enough to establish their safety and effectiveness.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of effectiveness

Verb

All the pieces felt artisanal and unexpected, and downright couture level, which will continue to influence trends across the markets.

— Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
Semafor reported in 2023 on extensive, leaked Iranian government communications that revealed Iranian attempts to influence US politics.

— Ben Smith, semafor.com, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of influence

Verb

The Capricorn Moon squares the Libra Sun, making one-on-one expectations bump against your need for comfort or personal space.

— Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026
Inside a training apartment on-site, specialists taught Darnes how to navigate daily life using touch, sound, bump dots, and his remaining senses.

— La'Tasha Givens, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of bump

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

Bears Ears is a living cultural landscape and sacred ancestral homeland of deep significance to Tribal Nations.

— Mary Beth Laughton, Time, 14 Oct. 2026
Hassen discussed the significance of Type V composite pressure vessels, and their potential.

— Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of significance

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“Impact.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impact. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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