Thesaurus results for CONCUSSION

Q: How is the word 'concussion' different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of concussion are collision , impact , and shock . While all these words mean "a forceful, even violent contact between two or more things," 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 is it sensible to use 'collision' instead of 'concussion'?

The words collision and concussion can be used in similar contexts, but 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: When can 'impact' be used instead of 'concussion'?

The synonyms impact and concussion are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 'shock' a more appropriate choice than 'concussion'?

The words shock and concussion 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

concussion

noun

kən-ˈkə-shən

Definition of concussion next

as in collision

a forceful coming together of two things the concussion of the two football players sent them both to the ground

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as in crash

the violent coming together of two bodies into destructive contact the theory that such a concussion, by a giant asteroid or comet millions of years ago, led to the extinction of the dinosaurs

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How is the word concussion different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of concussion are collision, impact, and shock. While all these words mean "a forceful, even violent contact between two or more things," 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 is it sensible to use collision instead of concussion?

The words collision and concussion can be used in similar contexts, but 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

When can impact be used instead of concussion?

The synonyms impact and concussion are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 shock a more appropriate choice than concussion?

The words shock and concussion 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 concussion Windows were broken blocks away, just from the concussion of these blasts at Allegheny Arsenal. —

Christopher Derose, CBS News, 26 June 2026 But Carels’ late-season concussion and resulting neck injury may have factored into the final decision. —

Vincent Z. Mercogliano, New York Times, 26 June 2026 He's played 24 games in two seasons, but took part in just eight games during the 2025 season as he was sidelined due to a concussion and twice with a shoulder injury, with the latter ultimately leading to season-ending surgery, the site stated. —

Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026 Typically, coaches instruct their chargers on how best to prevent field heat stroke and brain concussions. —

Michael Gerling, Fortune, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for concussion

Recent Examples of Synonyms for concussion

Noun

Leaving the scene of a property-damage collision can result in misdemeanor charges, fines and other penalties.

— James Ward, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Under California’s vehicle code, hit-and-run collisions that lead to property damage but no injuries are classified as misdemeanors.

— Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 4 July 2026

Definition of collision

Noun

The military declared McKinney dead in March 1946, though no crash site had been identified, let alone any remains of the man from Providence, Rhode Island.

— Kocha Olarn, CNN Money, 1 July 2026
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection said it was not notified of the crash, according to local reports.

— Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of crash

Noun

Season 3 of the series returned with a bloody episode and a skyrocketing death toll, which continues to rise, as the rival Targaryen factions clashed in the shock-and-awe-inspiring Battle of the Gullet.

— Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 5 July 2026
Rosenqvist’s departure was a bit of a shock, but Scott Dixon decision to leave Chip Ganassi Racing after 25 years with the team was of seismic proportions.

— Bruce Martin, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026

Definition of shock

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concussion

concussions

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“Concussion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/concussion. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of concussion

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