Find Synonyms

collapse Synonyms

Another word for collapse

Choosing another word for collapse depends on context, so the 32 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 7 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• verb (Context 1)

To fall down or give way suddenly due to a lack of support or internal strength (of a structure).

Usage Example

"The old barn roof finally collapsed under the weight of the heavy winter snow."

Strongest
cave in
give way
Strong
fall in
crumble
topple
tumble
buckle
Weak
subside

• noun (Context 2)

An instance of a structure falling down or giving way suddenly.

Usage Example

"The sudden cave-in of the ancient stone bridge cut off access to the mountain village."

Strongest
cave-in
Strong
subsidence

• verb (Context 3)

To fall down suddenly and become unconscious or unable to stand as a result of illness, injury, or exhaustion (of a person).

Usage Example

"After working two consecutive shifts in the heat, the technician collapsed from dehydration."

Strongest
faint
pass out
Strong
black out
keel over
swoon

• verb (Context 4)

To fail suddenly and completely, or to lose value rapidly (of an institution, system, or negotiation).

Usage Example

"Peace talks between the two delegations collapsed after neither side agreed to a compromise."

Strongest
break down
fall through
Strong
fail
founder
disintegrate
crash

• noun (Context 5)

A sudden failure, breakdown, or ruin of an institution, system, or enterprise.

Usage Example

"Historians have long debated the primary causes behind the downfall of the Roman Empire."

Strongest
downfall
breakdown
Strong
failure
disintegration
ruin
demise
crash

• noun (Context 6)

A sudden loss of physical strength, health, or consciousness.

Usage Example

"The marathon runner suffered a complete physical prostration just yards from the finish line."

Strong
prostration
exhaustion
faint

• verb (Context 7)

To fold or be folded down into a compact shape for easy storage or transport.

Usage Example

"You can fold the camping chairs and store them neatly in the trunk of the car."

Strongest
fold
fold up
Strong
flatten

Opposites of collapse

The opposite of collapse shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

unfold
expand
succeed
flourish
recovery
revive
open
thrive
See all opposites of collapse

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Collapse. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/collapse
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