earth-shattering

adjective

ˈərth-ˈsha-tə-riŋ How to pronounce earth-shattering (audio)
Definition of earth-shatteringnext
as in major
having great meaning or lasting effect scientists have made a few minor discoveries in that area, but nothing earth-shattering

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 earth-shattering That formula worked for seven generations, making the ES a consistent, if not earth-shattering, seller within the luxury sedan segment. — Karl Brauer, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026 But customers should not expect earth-shattering menu changes. — Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 2 Apr. 2026 This isn’t exactly the most earth-shattering shocker of all time. — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 19 Mar. 2026 As The Autopian summed it up, there’s nothing earth-shattering – technologically speaking – here. — New Atlas, 18 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for earth-shattering
Recent Examples of Synonyms for earth-shattering
  1. major
  2. important
  3. significant
  4. historic
  5. big
Adjective
  • The Category 3 storm has grown into a major hurricane, the first of an unusually quiet Atlantic season, and is expected to make landfall Friday night.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Most major mergers are consummated after executives have dedicated months to quietly drafting detailed operational plans and organizational hierarchies.
    — Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of major
Adjective
  • However, the Georgia program remains an important step in establishing how the technology will work within real railway operations.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Between Fletcher’s corn dogs, some Deep Fried Fat, Texas/OU at the Texas State Fair remains in the top five of college sporting events, and this version of a rivalry that is so important to this region lived up to its stature.
    — Mac Engel October 10, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of important
Adjective
  • In addition, surprise guests — look out for a festival favorite that won a significant award at Cannes — are likely to be in the mix.
    — Damon Wise, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2026
  • That sense of community is also central to producer Chris Ferguson, whose Oddfellows banner has become a significant force in Vancouver’s independent film scene.
    — Katherine Brodsky, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of significant
Adjective
  • The series follows the Canadian team’s historic run to the World Cup final, where they were ultimately toppled by host country England, going down 33-13 in front of a sellout crowd of 82,000 at Twickenham Stadium in South West London.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026
  • America was shoddy caulk oozing from a vinyl arc in a historic heatwave.
    — Anna Kornbluh, ARTnews.com, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of historic
Adjective
  • Isaias was expected to miss the oil industry's biggest hubs along the Gulf Coast, but fuel prices could rise if power outages shut down refineries for processing crude, industry experts said.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Over the last two years, no Spanish company has helped drive Spanish content onto the world stage more than Movistar Plus, the biggest Spanish pay TV/SVOD operator.
    — John Hopewell, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of big

Browse Nearby Words

earthshaking
earth-shattering
earthwork
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Earth-shattering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/earth-shattering. Accessed 12 Oct. 2026.

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