concussion

noun

kən-ˈkə-shən How to pronounce concussion (audio)
Definition of concussionnext
1
as in collision
a forceful coming together of two things the concussion of the two football players sent them both to the ground

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

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 Balthazar grew up in the Westlake area and played linebacker at Westlake High School until concussions took him out of play in his senior year. —Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 8 July 2025 Kara-France was booked to face Manel Kape in September 2023, but a concussion during training camp prevented Kara-France from competing on that card, UFC 293. —Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025 As a result, today there are eight position helmet shapes to reduce the odds of head injuries, such as concussions. —Marc Saltzman, USA Today, 27 June 2025 More than 50% of those crashes involved riders under the age of 18, and children have been left with concussions, fractured bones and serious trauma injuries. —Lillian Ashworth, Oc Register, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for concussion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for concussion
  1. collision
  2. crash
  3. shock
Noun
  • Alcohol was not a factor in the collision, police said.
    — City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 July 2025
  • This shape is thought to have arisen because the Infinity Galaxy was formed as two disk galaxies engaged in a head-on collision.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 16 July 2025
Definition of collision
Noun
  • The police department is investigating the cause and motive of the crash.
    — Jon Haworth, ABC News, 19 July 2025
  • Earlier reports about the cause of the crash were made in error by the fire department, Humphrey said.
    — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 19 July 2025
Definition of crash
Noun
  • His shock turns to elation, and then the wheels start spinning.
    — Eliana Dockterman, Time, 25 July 2025
  • Jenna Bush Hager brought a little spicy energy to Today With Jenna & Friends on Thursday, when the NBC personality used profanity during a live broadcast, much to the shock of colleague Willie Geist and her behind-the-scenes crew members.
    — EW.com, EW.com, 25 July 2025
Definition of shock

Browse Nearby Words

concur (with)
concussion
concussions
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Cite this Entry

“Concussion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/concussion. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on concussion

Nglish: Translation of concussion for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about concussion

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