smash
19 synonyms for smash, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The loud sound of a violent collision or impact.
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.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
The loud sound of a violent collision or impact.
“We heard a terrible smash from the street and rushed to the window.”
How to use smash
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
smash hit
smash into pieces
smash the competition
Etymology
Origin uncertain, likely imitative of the sound itself — similar to Swedish and Danish words describing smacking or kissing sounds made with the lips.
Full origin of smash →Frequently asked questions
What does “smash” mean?
The word “smash” means the loud sound of a violent collision or impact. In plain terms, to break something violently, or (as a noun) a huge hit or success.
How do you pronounce “smash”?
“Smash” is pronounced smash (/smæʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “smash” in a sentence?
Here is “smash” used in a sentence: “There was a loud smash as the vase hit the floor.”
What is another word for “smash”?
Words with a similar meaning to “smash” include thump, wallop, go to bed with and sleep with.
What part of speech is “smash”?
Depending on how it is used, “smash” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “smash” come from?
The word “smash” comes from Swedish. Origin uncertain, likely imitative of the sound itself — similar to Swedish and Danish words describing smacking or kissing sounds made with the lips.
Is “smash” a common word?
“Smash” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “smash” have?
“Smash” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the loud sound of a violent collision or impact.
What is the difference between smash and break?
Break is the general word for separating into pieces, while smash means to break something violently, usually into many pieces and with noise. A plate can break in two if dropped gently; it smashes when it is hurled at a wall.
What is the difference between smash and crash?
A crash is primarily a violent collision or the loud noise of one, as in a car crash. A smash emphasises breaking into pieces; as a sound, it is the noise of something shattering on impact. The two overlap, and "car smash" is also used, chiefly in British English.
