as in major
having great meaning or lasting effect
scientists have made a few minor discoveries in that area, but nothing earth-shattering
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Recent Examples of earth-shattering
None of the proofs is earth-shattering.
—
Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 9 Feb. 2026
For Mendoza’s family, the discovery was earth-shattering.
—Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 29 Dec. 2025
The biggest innovation was the new omnimovement mechanic that, while not earth-shattering, genuinely made the controls feel different and more immersive.
—Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 7 Oct. 2025
The early inactives lists are out, and there’s nothing earth-shattering.
—Kevin Cusick, Twin Cities, 7 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for earth-shattering
Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 9 Feb. 2026
For Mendoza’s family, the discovery was earth-shattering.
—Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 29 Dec. 2025
The biggest innovation was the new omnimovement mechanic that, while not earth-shattering, genuinely made the controls feel different and more immersive.
—Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 7 Oct. 2025
The early inactives lists are out, and there’s nothing earth-shattering.
—Kevin Cusick, Twin Cities, 7 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for earth-shattering
Recent Examples of Synonyms for earth-shattering
Adjective
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Following the price gouging session, two major refineries — Valero in the San Francisco Bay Area and Wilmington Phillips 66 in the Los Angeles area — have shut down, taking hundreds of jobs and nearly one-fifth of the state's gasoline production with them.—
Richard Ramos,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
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On Day 1, the astronauts made it safely into Earth's orbit and the mission reached the end of its first major propulsion phase, NASA said.—
Amanda Lee Myers,
USA Today,
3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Another important note to make is that Lupaia is closed during the winter season for improvements to the rooms, garden, public area, and overall guest experience since the weather is too unpredictable to welcome guests during that time anyway.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 Apr. 2026
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Nonresidents have such an important role to play in the management of wildlife in Wyoming, and obviously nonresident [hunting and fishing] licenses cost a lot more than resident ones do.—
Natalie Krebs,
Outdoor Life,
3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Leon was seeking gender reassignment surgery, which come to play a significant role in the climax of the hostage crisis precipitated by his partner.—
Chris Jones,
New York Daily News,
31 Mar. 2026
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Leon is seeking gender confirmation surgery and his needs come to play a significant role in the climax of the hostage crisis precipitated by his partner.—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The historic building was built in 1904.—
Brayden Garcia,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Mar. 2026
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But Friday’s matchup brought back memories from last season’s first-round playoff series between the two teams that ended in historic humilation for the Heat.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Even so, Olsson still remained her biggest critic.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
1 Apr. 2026
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Kitchen staff pile the plates high with big portions, ensuring leftovers to take home.—
Joe Marusak
April 1,
Charlotte Observer,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Earth-shattering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/earth-shattering. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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