JOLT Synonyms: 195 Similar and Opposite Words

jolt 1 of 2

noun

ˈjōlt

Definition of jolt

as in collision

a forceful coming together of two things pack the glass vase so that it won't fall victim to any hard jolts in transit

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as in surprise

something that makes a strong impression because it is so unexpected the news of the CEO's sudden retirement was a jolt to us all

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jolt

2 of 2

verb

as in to shake

to make a series of small irregular or violent movements the roller coaster car jerked and jolted as it coursed along the old wooden tracks

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as in to yank

to move or cause to move with a sharp quick motion she jolted the door open with her elbow

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as in to shock

to cause an unpleasant surprise for the sneak terrorist attack jolted the country out of its indolence and indifference

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 jolt

Noun

That victory got its first jolt on the Bears’ opening offensive snap, a 97-yard touchdown toss from Tyson Bagent to Zavion Thomas. — Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026 Volkswagen just added a jolt of electricity to its camper-van lineup. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2026

Verb

The war in Iran has jolted gas and diesel markets with little end in sight. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026 Season 2 sees the Dessen family jolted out of their safe, quiet life once again when an unimaginable threat forces them to run once again. — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for jolt

Recent Examples of Synonyms for jolt

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

Imagine Bret’s surprise to find Robert waiting for him on his bed, having been questioned again thanks to Bret’s accusations.

— Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026
Corle, taken completely by surprise, was sideswiped by the massive bear and sent tumbling face first into a thick clump of brush.

— Jan Thacker, Outdoor Life, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of surprise

Verb

Beck didn’t participate in the book, but Riesman finds enough friends, family and associates to assemble a complex portrait of an artist who wants his audiences to see him as fashion-forward but has had a hard time shaking his past.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Thunderous applause may greet one documentary premiering at the Venice Film Festival, fitting for a story of athletes who shake the earth with every footfall.

— Matthew Carey, Deadline, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of shake

Verb

The trooper grabs the man by his wrist and his dreadlocks and began yanking his upper body through the window, the video shows.

— Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 31 Aug. 2026
As the man was unconscious, Slawson was accused of yanking the suspect out of the police vehicle, causing the man to hit and split his head on the concrete, the press release stated.

— Christian Cervantes, AZCentral.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of yank

Verb

The raid shocked the community, leading to low attendance at the Wilder School District the day after the raid, according to reporting from the Idaho Statesman.

— Rachel Spacek, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
The news shocked scientists and engineers across NASA missions, who were suddenly dealt a dose of uncertainty as their job security teetered in political limbo.

— Josh Dinner, Space.com, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of shock

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

Verb

The system shudders a bit and then gets back to normal, like a person stubbing a toe or twisting an ankle faces discomfort and difficulty walking for a while.

— Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026
There’s the studio version, which has some really interesting production, with Meg’s shuddering percussion that eventually grates and distracts, and Jack’s very chunky guitar.

— Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 25 Aug. 2026