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 The names of the three people killed in the three-vehicle collision were released on Monday. —Claire Osborn, Austin American Statesman, 15 July 2025 Marc Miller, a 29-year-old officer with the Roseland Police Department, was seriously injured in the collision. —Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 14 July 2025 The force of the collision pushed the Volt into a Mercedes-Benz that was also at the stop sign. —Clifford Ward, Chicago Tribune, 7 July 2025 More buggies ended up on their sides or backs, the result of collisions or bad landings in the whoops section. —William Liang, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 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
  • Further details about the vehicles involved and the circumstances of the crash were not released Friday.
    — Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 July 2025
  • Earlier reports about the cause of the crash were made in error by the fire department, Humphrey said.
    — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 19 July 2025
Definition of crash
Noun
  • The accident occurred on July 16 at the Nassau Open MRI in Westbury, New York, according to a press release from the Nassau County Police Department in Long Island.
    — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 19 July 2025
  • The manner of death was listed as accident (unrestrained passenger in car crash), the warrant affidavit said.
    — Staff report, Hartford Courant, 18 July 2025
Definition of accident
Noun
  • His shock turns to elation, and then the wheels start spinning.
    — Eliana Dockterman, Time, 25 July 2025
  • Finally, thanks to intuitive adaptive shocks that adjust damping rates on the fly—compensating for every minuscule bit of pitch and roll—the Turbo rode quite comfortably.
    — Peter Nelson, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
Definition of shock
Noun
  • The man driving the Honda ran from the wreck, police said, and there is no indication he was located.
    — Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 18 July 2025
  • Researchers have recovered more than 3,300 artifacts from the wreck, including gold coins inscribed with Arabic, pieces of porcelain and religious figurines.
    — Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 July 2025
Definition of wreck
Noun
  • Exceptional leaders understand the far-reaching impact of top performers and seek to meet their needs.
    — Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
  • In April, the company forecast its organic sales growth (which excludes the impact of foreign exchange, acquisitions and divestitures) would climb a meager 2% for the fiscal year ended June 30 - the worst performance since 2018.
    — Alexander Coolidge, The Enquirer, 29 July 2025
Definition of impact
Noun
  • Needing a jolt at the half, Ramsay brought Robin Lod and Bongi Hlongwane off the bench for Carlos Harvey in central midfield and Julian Gressel at right wingback, respectively.
    — Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 27 July 2025
  • Many deliver a fast jolt of nutrients to plants, often far more than what the plants can use.
    — Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2025
Definition of jolt
Noun
  • Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson give this team just enough thump to be dangerous.
    — Tony Blengino, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
  • The team pulled off a shocking blockbuster by landing franchise slugger Rafael Devers from the Boston Red Sox, immediately filling its need for some left-handed thump in the batting order.
    — Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025
Definition of thump
Noun
  • Ryland taps on what appears to be glass, and a mysterious hand slams against it, causing the astronaut to jump back in fear.
    — Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 26 July 2025
  • Soft-close cabinet doors prevent slams, adjustable shelves help house items of varying sizes, and the natural oak finish offers a simple, sleek aesthetic.
    — Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 June 2025
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 3 Aug. 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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