earth-shattering

adjective

earth-shat·​ter·​ing ˈərth-ˈsha-tə-riŋ How to pronounce earth-shattering (audio)
Synonyms of earth-shatteringnext

Examples of earth-shattering in a Sentence

scientists have made a few minor discoveries in that area, but nothing earth-shattering
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
For Mendoza’s family, the discovery was earth-shattering. Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 29 Dec. 2025 But Trump could make the most earth-shattering Hollywood merger in years significantly more difficult to move forward. Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 8 Dec. 2025 Their earth-shattering discovery was that housing stability is greater when housing is subsidized than when it is not subsidized. Christopher Calton, Oc Register, 4 Dec. 2025 Think of Olympic medalists, STEM geniuses who develop earth-shattering technologies, and economists who predict major events. Sydney Lake, Fortune, 17 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for earth-shattering

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1859, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of earth-shattering was circa 1859

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Cite this Entry

“Earth-shattering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/earth-shattering. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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