JOLT Synonyms: 195 Similar and Opposite Words

jolt 1 of 2

noun

ˈjōlt

Definition of jolt

as in collision

a forceful coming together of two things pack the glass vase so that it won't fall victim to any hard jolts in transit

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as in surprise

something that makes a strong impression because it is so unexpected the news of the CEO's sudden retirement was a jolt to us all

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jolt

2 of 2

verb

as in to shake

to make a series of small irregular or violent movements the roller coaster car jerked and jolted as it coursed along the old wooden tracks

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as in to yank

to move or cause to move with a sharp quick motion she jolted the door open with her elbow

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as in to shock

to cause an unpleasant surprise for the sneak terrorist attack jolted the country out of its indolence and indifference

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 jolt

Noun

The action sequences are jerky and disjointed; Supergirl’s laser eyes constitute the only occasional, if inadequate, jolt of life. — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 26 June 2026 Takeoff and landing are when many aviation incidents occur—they’re considered the most critical phases of a flight and when an aircraft is most vulnerable to sudden, unexpected jolts of motion. — Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2026

Verb

Three Supreme Court rulings in rapid succession on Tuesday instantly jolted the political landscape heading into Georgia’s 2026 elections. — Adam Beam, AJC.com, 1 July 2026 Nilka Simosa Verde, a Venezuelan-American living in Miami Beach, has been hoping and praying to hear from her family since two earthquakes jolted Venezuela’s Caribbean coast Wednesday evening. — Sonia Osorio, Miami Herald, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for jolt

Recent Examples of Synonyms for jolt

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

Williams’ decision to leave the position was a big surprise to the mayor, commissioners and residents, though her departure followed months of controversy and scrutiny.

— Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
High temperatures inside a car, even when no one is in it, can lead to some dangerous or messy surprises.

— Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 3 July 2026

Definition of surprise

Verb

The iconic bunny costume moment, when Elle is tricked into showing up to a non-costume party wearing a Playboy bunny get-up, was the catalyst for exploring how Elle was able to shake that humiliation off.

— Scarlett Harris, IndieWire, 6 July 2026
This tournament has built credibility by showcasing teams competing at a high level, then shaking hands afterward.

— Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026

Definition of shake

Verb

Then, five days after the best start of his young MLB career coincided with one of his worst moments, he was yanked after just 2 1/3 innings in Sunday’s 11-5 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates.

— Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 5 July 2026
Winco also yanked about 13,500 Roman Candles 8 Shot 3-Pack Firework Devices.

— David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026

Definition of yank

Noun

That next phase will focus on measuring the shockwaves generated by the X-59 in flight, along with evaluating the sonic thump impact on the ground.

— Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 29 June 2026
Not long after, Jamison’s parents reported hearing a loud thump, as though someone had fallen, according to prosecutors.

— Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2026

Definition of thump

Verb

These seemingly innocuous incidents attain new significance as they’re revisited alongside a slow crescendo that suddenly turns to shuddering piano chords on the track’s bridge.

— Nick Ayres DeMasi, Pitchfork, 1 July 2026
Choose Baits with Vibration Lipless crankbaits earn their keep each spring, as their shuddering motion creates the bait-mimicking tremors to which bass respond.

— David A. Brown, Outdoor Life, 1 July 2026

Definition of shudder

Verb

Watching their relationship devolve (never more so than when their sperm donor, a rakish, motorcycle-driving restaurant owner played by Mark Ruffalo, enters the scene) is most definitely a tear-jerking experience, as is the film’s final scene.

— Liam Hess, Vogue, 28 June 2026
Some were petty — like Reese committing a foul against Clark, then jerking her head back, impersonating Clark as a flopper.

— Candace Buckner, New York Times, 27 June 2026