IMPACT Synonyms: 193 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of impact are collision , concussion , and shock . While all these words 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

Q: When is it sensible to use 'collision' instead of 'impact'?

The meanings of collision and impact largely overlap; however, 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: In what contexts can 'concussion' take the place of 'impact'?

In some situations, the words concussion and impact are roughly equivalent. However, 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 could 'shock' be used to replace 'impact'?

The synonyms shock and impact are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

impact 1 of 2

noun

ˈim-ˌpakt

Definition of impact

as in effect

the power to bring about a result on another the execution had such a powerful impact on her that she became a crusader for the abolition of capital punishment

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in collision

a forceful coming together of two things the glass shattered immediately upon impact with the floor

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in effectiveness

the quality of an utterance that provokes interest and produces an effect the story has real dramatic impact

Synonyms & Similar Words

impact

2 of 2

verb

im-ˈpakt

as in to influence

to act upon (a person or a person's feelings) so as to cause a response the tragic loss of his father impacted the boy for the rest of his life

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to bump

to come into usually forceful contact with something the damage sustained when a car going 40 miles an hour impacts with a brick wall

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

miss
skirt

as in to root

to set solidly in or as if in surrounding matter the bullet was found impacted in the police officer's protective vest

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of impact are collision, concussion, and shock. While all these words 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

When is it sensible to use collision instead of impact?

The meanings of collision and impact largely overlap; however, 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 impact?

In some situations, the words concussion and impact are roughly equivalent. However, 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 shock be used to replace impact?

The synonyms shock and impact are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 impact

Noun

Maintaining a safe and clean landscape is more important than ever before, and mitigating the impact of space debris is critical to that effort. — David Zamora, Space.com, 23 Oct. 2026 Another impact player is junior running back Kai Honda at Princeton. — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026

Verb

In Paris, the curfew is impacting the UGC Ciné Cité Les Halles, the sprawling Paris multiplex which ranks among the world’s busiest cinemas by admissions. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026 How can these opinions impact somebody’s career or somebody’s legal standing? — Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for impact

Recent Examples of Synonyms for impact

Noun

Some opening day effects are long gone, such as the illusion created by actual shifting doors at the start of the attraction, or visions of tumbling rubble near its beginning.

— Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
The progression from vessel impact to environmental damage is clear to see in many cases, said Brian Barnes, who is part of a group of satellite oceanographers at the University of South Florida analyzing the effects of this war from afar.

— Paula Hancocks, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of effect

Noun

The collision comes months after Independence police tightened restrictions on high-speed pursuits after years of scrutiny over the department's driving practices.

— Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
When a conjunction is probable, SSA/STC service providers alert the operators involved, who then decide whether to undertake a collision-avoidance maneuver.

— David Zamora, Space.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of collision

Noun

The idea would be to equip all parties, from payers to providers to patients, with insights into effectiveness, cost, and value.

— Dana P. Goldman, STAT, 22 Oct. 2026
Other topical treatments—such as retinoids, peptides, and vitamin C—are backed by years of research on safety and effectiveness.

— Ashley Abramson, Allure, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of effectiveness

Verb

As voters decide which party can best rescue their chance at the American Dream, political experts say prolonged economic hardship is the defining feature influencing voters in the midterms.

— Amy L. Wong, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026
Over the last two years Chuwi has traveled around the globe, and the foursome confirm that will influence their next project.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of influence

Verb

The character always bumped some people, and those feelings coalesced around Hari Kondabolu’s 2017 documentary The Problem With Apu.

— Bethy Squires, Vulture, 19 Oct. 2026
The Capricorn Moon squares the Libra Sun, making one-on-one expectations bump against your need for comfort or personal space.

— Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of bump

Noun

The United States also has a uniquely large and diverse economy that is far less susceptible to shocks than many of its smaller peers.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026
Duncan says the initial shock usually fades after a round or two, and cycling back and forth multiple times yields better results.

— Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of shock

Noun

The technology’s significance extends beyond completing individual development milestones.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2026
Opel/Stellantis GM walked away from Opel in 2017 and American buyers rarely get a taste of modern Opel products, but the STX has significance for the broader global market.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of significance

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“Impact.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impact. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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