impact
9 synonyms and 0 antonyms for impact, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The force of one object striking another; a collision.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use impact
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin impactus, attested in English since the 1600s.
Full origin of impact →Frequently asked questions
What does “impact” mean?
The word “impact” means the force of one object striking another; a collision. In plain terms, a strong effect, or the physical force of a collision.
How do you pronounce “impact”?
“Impact” is pronounced IHM-pakt (/ˈɪmpækt/ in IPA).
How do you use “impact” in a sentence?
Here is “impact” used in a sentence: “The car crumpled on impact.”
What is another word for “impact”?
Words with a similar meaning to “impact” include percussion.
What part of speech is “impact”?
Depending on how it is used, “impact” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “impact” come from?
The word “impact” dates back to around 1600 and comes from Latin. From Latin impactus, attested in English since the 1600s.
Is “impact” a common word?
“Impact” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “impact” have?
“Impact” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the force of one object striking another; a collision.
What is the difference between impact and effect?
In its literal sense, impact is the physical force of one object striking another — the moment of collision. Effect is the result or change that follows. A meteor's impact is the strike itself; the crater is its effect. Loosely, 'impact' is also used to mean a strong effect.
Does impact only mean a physical collision?
No. The original sense is a collision — one object striking another with force. But 'impact' is now widely used figuratively to mean a powerful influence or effect, as in 'the impact of the internet.' Both senses share the idea of one thing forcefully affecting another.
Can impact be measured?
Yes. A physical impact can be measured as force, in newtons, along with the speed and energy involved at the moment of collision — engineers do this in crash testing. The figurative impact of an idea or event is harder to quantify and is usually judged by its consequences.
What is an example of impact?
A car striking a wall, a hammer hitting a nail, or a meteor slamming into the ground are all examples of impact — the force of one object meeting another. The dented metal, driven nail, or crater left behind shows the force that the impact delivered.