shatter 1 of 2

1
2
as in to smash
to cause to break open or into pieces by or as if by an explosive shattered the sealed clay pot to find out what was inside

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3

shatter

2 of 2

noun

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 shatter
Verb
Bromby has led a successful career so far to say the least, but now the rising star has begun shattering records at the Cape Ann League institution. Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 17 May 2025 Walked outside and saw my front window had totally shattered. Chris Irvine, The Washington Examiner, 17 May 2025
Noun
Here’s what to do when faced with the shatter heard around the world. Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 27 Mar. 2025 In the midst of that climactic battle, an earthquake hits the Pride Lands and a mountain shatters. Ashley Lee, Los Angeles Times, 22 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for shatter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shatter
Verb
  • The Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected a plea from a group of Native American activists and supporters to block a copper mining company from destroying an Apache religious site.
    Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 27 May 2025
  • During the week of my embed, the Russian military identified and destroyed a few of the Vampire pilots’ positions.
    Nataliya Gumenyuk, The Atlantic, 27 May 2025
Verb
  • That served as a prelude to Tim Anderson smashing his own two-run shot off Zack Britton in the bottom of the inning to send the White Sox home winners.
    Tim Britton, New York Times, 30 May 2025
  • He’s often found smashing things in the name of justice but can still be angered easily if things don’t go his way.
    Sarah Scott, Parents, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • While splinters were already forming, a trio of Grammy nominations nevertheless followed - with Potter left to ponder what could’ve/should’ve been.
    Jim Ryan, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • Israeli military rule would last nearly four decades, during which Hamas emerged as a splinter of the Muslim Brotherhood movement in the 1980s, until a 2005 disengagement.
    Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.
    Tanasia Kenney, Miami Herald, 22 May 2025
  • Thessaloniki, Greece Greece is an iconic travel destination with ancient history, ruins steeped in lore, and picture-perfect Mediterranean beaches.
    Kathleen Peddicord, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • Facing greater competition and sensing more opportunity, the owners decided to close the hotel at the end of May and demolish the building next year.
    Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 20 May 2025
  • Its current office building in the area would be demolished.
    Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 20 May 2025
Noun
  • Unlike centralized clouds, where data shards are mutable, decentralized nodes make shards immutable and cryptographically secured, preventing unauthorized reconstruction.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
  • Her mug of vodka cracks, leaking alcohol onto her computer, which then explodes, sending a shard of glass flying into her throat.
    Gayle Sequeira, Vulture, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • Sand, breeze blocks, storm shutters—these are materials of survival and exclusion, shaped by the hurricanes that regularly devastate her homeland.
    Nargess Banks, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
  • The announcement comes after the Trump administration decided that Arkansas won't receive federal funds to repair infrastructure damaged by the March tornadoes that devastated much of north Arkansas, instead leaving it to the state and localities to pay for the clean-up.
    Neal Earley, Arkansas Online, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • That’s just the beginning, though—keep scrolling for more deals sure to blow you away (no pun intended).
    Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 23 May 2025
  • The weather can play a role too; rain can wash pollen from the air, while a windy day can blow it around, increasing your allergy symptoms.2 How Can You Prevent Allergy Symptoms?
    Kelly Burch Published, Verywell Health, 23 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Shatter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shatter. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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