collision

1 of 2

noun

col·​li·​sion kə-ˈli-zhən How to pronounce collision (audio)
Synonyms of collision
1
: an act or instance of colliding : clash
2
: an encounter between particles (such as atoms or molecules) resulting in exchange or transformation of energy
collisional
kə-ˈli-zh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce collision (audio)
adjective
collisionally adverb

collisional

2 of 2

adjective

col·​li·​sion·​al kə-ˈlizh-nəl How to pronounce collisional (audio)
-ˈli-zhə-nᵊl
: marked by or ensuing from a collision
collisionally adverb
The Kuiper Belt is … collisionally evolving, meaning that the region's icy content has been modified over the past 4.5 billion years, since the solar system was born. —Space.com, 29 Dec. 2009

Synonyms of collision

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Noun

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus
Choose the Right Synonym for collision

impact, collision, shock, concussion mean a forceful, even violent contact between two or more things.

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

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

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 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

Examples of collision in a Sentence

Noun The car was destroyed in the collision. the collision of two opposing philosophies regarding the rearing of children
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Noun
With less drag, space junk can remain in orbit longer, increasing the risk of collisions. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 6 July 2026 Heading and collisions pose a risk that warrants real caution. — Dr. Tal Patalon, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026 This heat drives more melting and more basaltic volcanism, a process that plays out not just in the minutes-to-hours timescale of the actual collision, but in tens or even hundreds of millions of years afterward. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 5 July 2026 Experts with the Charlotte Department of Transportation want to put cameras in areas with certain kinds of collisions. — Laura Horne, Charlotte Observer, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for collision

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Latin collision-, collisio, from collidere

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of collision was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing collision

Rhymes for collision

See All Rhymes for collision

Browse Nearby Words

colliquate
collision
collisional
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Collision.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/collision. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

collision

noun
col·​li·​sion kə-ˈlizh-ən How to pronounce collision (audio)
: an act or instance of colliding

More from Merriam-Webster on collision

Nglish: Translation of collision for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about collision

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