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 Following the concussion of the 2023 season, he was relieved of his duties. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025 People with specific intracranial injuries had lower attainment in tertiary education than people with concussions. —New Atlas, 29 Mar. 2025 The Rays are now at risk of losing their Opening Day starter, who will undergo imaging on Sunday; Rehak also left the game and was diagnosed with a concussion. —Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 22 Mar. 2025 Tucker was later diagnosed with a concussion and possible skull fracture. —Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 12 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for concussion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for concussion
  1. collision
  2. crash
  3. shock
Noun
  • That maneuver allegedly caused another vehicle to swerve to avoid impact, which led to a fatal head-on collision that killed 78-year-old Herman Hall and injured two others.
    — Essence News Editors, Essence, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The Florida firefighter who drove a fire truck onto railroad tracks, resulting in a collision with a high-speed train that injured 15 people, has been fired.
    — Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Definition of collision
Noun
  • The crash site extended 100 yards across the ground, National Transportation Safety Board investigators said.
    — Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 13 Apr. 2025
  • The driver was arrested and the crash team was able to safely continue their investigation.
    — Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of crash
Noun
  • Officers evacuated students from classrooms, as students walked away in shock.
    — Graham Hurley, Aaron Fisher and Katherine Jennings, CNN Money, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Julian arrives at the bank as Olympia is standing in the vault, looking at the papers in shock.
    — Noel Murray, Vulture, 18 Apr. 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 24 Apr. 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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