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 According to reports, 64 percent of all near midair collisions surrounding the 30 biggest U.S. airports were caused by drones in 2024. —Katie Nadworny, Travel + Leisure, 30 May 2025 Other top areas with high black bear-vehicle collisions include U.S. 64/U.S. 84 just south of Chama (7 collisions), I-25 around Glorieta Pass (6 collisions), Tijeras Canyon along I-40 (6 collisions), and I-25 south of Wagon Mound (5 collisions). —Noël Fletcher, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025 Wheeler, the 24-year-old daughter of former pro basketball player Tyson Wheeler, was killed in the collision. —Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 29 May 2025 Sanchez’s family sued Klinghoffer for wrongful death after the incident, alleging that Klinghoffer was on his phone at the time of the collision. —August Brown, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025 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 traffic alert was released Sunday at 3:27 p.m., and the last update concerning this incident was provided on Sunday at 4:26 p.m. Reports of a crash on southbound I-435 A crash has been reported on I-435 from Eastwood Trafficway/Exit 65 to 63rd Street/East 66th St/Exit 66.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 1 June 2025
  • Father killed in Laguna Beach crash while teaching his 15-year-old daughter how to drive, police say.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2025
Definition of crash
Noun
  • Medical coverage $75,000 in emergency accident and sickness coverage $250,000 in evacuation and repatriation coverage $750 in emergency dental treatment coverage Pre-existing conditions No coverage for pre-existing conditions within 60 days of your policy’s start date.
    — Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 1 June 2025
  • Dogs can create traffic jams, cause (or worse, have) accidents in narrow aisles, and disrupt delicate plants on display.
    — Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 1 June 2025
Definition of accident
Noun
  • The shock expressed by analysts and Jørgensen's surprise at his firing reveal catastrophic communication breakdown.
    — Tima Bansal, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
  • Shekinah’s friends were then in for a shock when Sarper suggested a clause of his own for their theoretical prenup.
    — Stephanie Wenger, People.com, 26 May 2025
Definition of shock
Noun
  • Lynn was involved in a car accident that left her head and body a wreck.
    — Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 20 May 2025
  • After a wreck during the race involving the No. 10 Chevrolet and No. 38 Ford, Dillon was seen in a heated exchange with the Front Row Motorsports driver.
    — Lydia Mee, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025
Definition of wreck
Noun
  • Trump’s deregulation and spending cuts, particularly via the Department of Government Efficiency, could also reduce the government’s costs and negate some of the impact of the tax cuts on the surging federal debt.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 29 May 2025
  • Topline Best Buy on Thursday lowered full-year forecasts for profits and sales for the retailer’s fiscal year 2026, citing likely impacts of tariffs on business, becoming the latest company to flag concerns and cut projections, citing uncertainty over U.S. tariffs.
    — Ty Roush, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Definition of impact
Noun
  • The hope is that Mayer can provide a similar jolt with Bregman out, then translate that into a full-time MLB gig.
    — Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 May 2025
  • Eliana Krasnow laced a double in the home half of the inning, but Walsh didn’t allow the offensive jolt to mount further.
    — Jason Cooke, Boston Herald, 23 May 2025
Definition of jolt
Noun
  • Literal flames surrounded the glow, both repelling and drawing you in more, followed by two loud, disorienting thumps.
    — Christopher Rosa, Glamour, 16 May 2025
  • Their bodies sway to the rhythmic thumps of the hypnotic music, composed by the French artist Kangding Ray.
    — Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2025
Definition of thump
Noun
  • With the win, Waters sewed up the triple crown at the slam, her 34th on tour.
    — Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
  • They are created when fast-moving gas ejected by stars slams into slower-moving surrounding gas.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 28 Apr. 2025
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 4 Jun. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on collision

Nglish: Translation of collision for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about collision

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