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 But court records show that — at the time of the May 3 traffic collision in Playa del Rey — Leiva already had two outstanding arrest warrants in connection with a pair of DUI cases. —Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026 The fiery collision was one of America’s deadliest drunken driving crashes on record. —Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026 On Monday, Mathers was arraigned in the 42nd District Court in New Baltimore and pleaded no contest to operating while impaired, a 93-day misdemeanor, and failing to stop after a collision, a 90-day misdemeanor. —Joseph Buczek, CBS News, 14 May 2026 Every time a collision or explosion occurs in LEO, especially at higher altitudes, the risk of more clashes rises, McKnight warned, because the debris generated is not cleared from orbit for decades, even centuries. —Kevin Holden Platt, Forbes.com, 14 May 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
  • Drugs or alcohol do not appear to be factors in the crash, police said.
    — Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2026
  • The outlet reported three people suffered injuries in the crash.
    — Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 14 May 2026
Definition of crash
Noun
  • The cause of the accident remains under investigation, police said in their statement.
    — Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 20 May 2026
  • Investigators from Russia’s transport prosecutor’s office and the country’s Investigative Committee have opened an inquiry into the crash as officials work to determine whether safety violations contributed to the deadly accident, several reports said.
    — Jessica Mekles, FOXNews.com, 20 May 2026
Definition of accident
Noun
  • Though conditions are more acute in Myanmar due to the civil war, experts warn the chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz could also dent rice production across the region – with potentially huge shocks for food security.
    — Helen Regan, CNN Money, 16 May 2026
  • The balloon emits electrical shocks that help break up the calcium and allow the stent to open wider.
    — Kerry Breen, CBS News, 16 May 2026
Definition of shock
Noun
  • The wreck rests at 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) deep.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 May 2026
  • Costello described the moments between the wreck and the explosion.
    — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026
Definition of wreck
Noun
  • Rowles is also making an impact at Marist in flag football.
    — Tony Baranek, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
  • Not even BriseBois anticipated James, who was signed as a free agent two days into training camp after his draft rights with the Blackhawks expired, would have made such a quick impact.
    — Eduardo A. Encina, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 May 2026
Definition of impact
Noun
  • For Riley, this was a jolt of illumination about the way the world viewed him—not as a child but as a suspect, a scammer in the making.
    — Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 17 May 2026
  • Shot in Scope, filled with intimate closeups of the couple, the film lets the audience experience the same upsetting jolt as Gil over Jacques’ desire for control and toxic possessiveness.
    — Alissa Simon, Variety, 16 May 2026
Definition of jolt
Noun
  • The Yankees need Wells to provide at least some thump in a bottom third of the order that hasn’t been very good.
    — Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Moments later, a bass thump sounded in the distance.
    — Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026
Definition of thump
Noun
  • The tone was set for his highlight reel performance with an early alley-oop pass to Victor Wembanyama, followed by an open 3-pointer on the wing and a two-handed slam over Minnesota’s Jaden McDaniels.
    — Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 16 May 2026
  • This past week, Netflix announced something that should seem like a slam-dunk, a global concert tour for KPop Demon Hunters, its most popular film ever and cultural phenomenon that’s about…musical performances and concert tours.
    — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
Definition of slam

Browse Nearby Words

colligating
collision
collisions
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Cite this Entry

“Collision.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/collision. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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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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