impact 1 of 2

noun

ˈim-ˌpakt How to pronounce impact (audio)
Definition of impactnext
1
as in collision
a forceful coming together of two things the glass shattered immediately upon impact with the floor

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2
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

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3
as in effectiveness
the quality of an utterance that provokes interest and produces an effect the story has real dramatic impact

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impact

2 of 2

verb

im-ˈpakt How to pronounce impact (audio)
1
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

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2
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

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3
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
He was expected to make an impact in his third year with Pittsburgh this season, but those hopes were dashed against the Miami Marlins on Thursday afternoon. — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 30 Mar. 2025 The government has said the impact will be limited and temporary. — Can Sezer and Emilie Madi, USA Today, 30 Mar. 2025
Verb
That change highlights just one of the many ways that the NHL’s business is impacted by swings in the USD-CAD exchange rate, a metric under further pressure thanks to new tensions between the countries. — Scott Soshnick, Sportico.com, 31 Mar. 2025 Yet it's widely acknowledged that prior authorization tends to disproportionately impact some of the sickest people who need the most expensive care. — Lauren Sausser | Kff Health News, ABC News, 31 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for impact
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impact
  1. collision
  2. effect
  3. influence
  4. bump
  5. root
  6. shock
  7. significance
  8. affect
Noun
  • At the time of January’s collision one controller was handling two positions, the National Transportation Safety Board noted.
    — Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2025
  • The asteroid is now logged as a harmless 0, meaning there’s no likelihood of a collision.
    — Amanda Kooser, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of collision
Noun
  • Following a postponement, these tariffs are expected to come into effect around the middle of April.
    — Lim Hui Jie,Sophie Kiderlin, CNBC, 3 Apr. 2025
  • For decades, ever since the North American Free Trade Agreement or NAFTA went into effect in the early 1990s, the automakers have operated as if the United States, Mexico and Canada are a single country.
    — Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of effect
Verb
  • Studies show that brand authenticity positively influences consumer trust and emotional connection.
    — Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
  • With most weddings, the bride is the one who heavily influences the process — from the choice of venue to the invitations, as well as the outfits.
    — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 31 Mar. 2025
Definition of influence
Verb
  • Rookie Kristian Campbell will start in left field, Jarren Duran will bump over to center field and Wilyer Abreu will start in right.
    — Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Sammy can hardly pass by my chair in the press box without bumping into it.
    — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025
Definition of bump
Verb
  • According to Castro, what makes the Trump administration’s revocations unique is that they are sometimes rooted on the exercise of free speech – a basis that could eventually be challenged in court.
    — Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Brigham Young University alumni and donors haven’t had a chance to root on their school in a Sweet 16 game since 2011 when sharpshooter Jimmer Fredette carried the team into the national spotlight.
    — Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Definition of root
Noun
  • An example would be a war or an oil price shock, or the coronavirus pandemic that caused the February to March 2020 bear market.
    — Sarah Min, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Not only the decision to let go of Malone, but the timing of it comes as a bigger shock.
    — Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of shock
Noun
  • The significance of that difference lies in the potential interest savings to the government.
    — Dave Birnbaum, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
  • One major concern is that sibling gifts can unintentionally shift the focus away from the birthday child, diluting the significance of their special day, says Wijesekera.
    — Sherri Gordon, Parents, 31 Mar. 2025
Definition of significance
Verb
  • Wang and his crew will conduct 22 research experiments centered on how spaceflight and microgravity affect the human body that will provide insights for future long-duration missions deep into the cosmos.
    — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2025
  • The outcome of those cases will affect U.S. life in many ways.
    — Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of affect

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impacted
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Cite this Entry

“Impact.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impact. Accessed 11 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on impact

Nglish: Translation of impact for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about impact

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