1
2
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

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

Examples 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 Olave sustained two concussions alone this season and remains on IR. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 15 Dec. 2024 McConnell was hospitalized in March 2023 after a fall that left him with a concussion. Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 10 Dec. 2024 It is estimated that 5 in every 100 young football players have a concussion each year. Beryl Rosenstein, Baltimore Sun, 9 Dec. 2024 The Eagles are already hurting on the secondary, as Reed Blankenship is also not in the game due to a concussion. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 8 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for concussion 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for concussion
Noun
  • The collision occurred shortly after 1 p.m. at the intersection of 51st Avenue and Bell Road.
    Rey Covarrubias Jr., The Arizona Republic, 21 Dec. 2024
  • Huger was convicted of DUI, negligent driving, failure to control speed to avoid a collision, and failure to notify authorities of an address change, according to a report from Fox5 DC, who also noted that she was acquitted of reckless driving.
    Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 19 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Wheaton has amassed more than 100,000 followers on Instagram but made her account private days after the fatal crash.
    Salvador Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 21 Dec. 2024
  • Fans aren’t feeling particularly optimistic about Netflix’s ability to put on a good live broadcast after the Jake Paul–Mike Tyson fight, which was marred by streaming issues, including frequent buffering and outright crashes.
    Michelle Bruton, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Cowboys' Jerry Jones Drops Major Hint At Future Of Mike McCarthy In Dallas By James Brizuela Contributing Sports Writer 0 The NFL world was dealt with quite a shock when the Dallas Cowboys decided to release running back Ezekiel Elliott.
    Paul du Quenoy, Newsweek, 1 Jan. 2025
  • The video Ron shared shows reactions from some of the couple's four children — Bryce Dallas Howard, 43, twins Jocelyn and Paige, 39, and son Reed, 37 — as well as Bryce's husband Seth Gabel, who is shown holding his hands over his face in shock.
    Tommy McArdle, People.com, 31 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near concussion

Cite this Entry

“Concussion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/concussion. Accessed 6 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on concussion

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!