1
as in quake
a shaking of the earth
the San Andreas Fault is notorious for its earthquakes
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in upheaval
a violent disturbance (as of the political or social order)
the election of the socialist candidate caused a political earthquake that nearly led to a military coup
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of earthquake
Magnitude measures the strength of an earthquake.
—
Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 4 Mar. 2026
Haiti’s Superior Court of Auditors has said the funds, intended to rebuild the country after the 2010 earthquake, were squandered during the administration of former President Michel Martelly.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2026
In 2011, the monument is damaged by a magnitude 5.8 earthquake.
—Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 20 Feb. 2026
Southern California has had at least three earthquakes of magnitude 2.9 or higher so far this week.
—Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for earthquake
Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 4 Mar. 2026
Haiti’s Superior Court of Auditors has said the funds, intended to rebuild the country after the 2010 earthquake, were squandered during the administration of former President Michel Martelly.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2026
In 2011, the monument is damaged by a magnitude 5.8 earthquake.
—Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 20 Feb. 2026
Southern California has had at least three earthquakes of magnitude 2.9 or higher so far this week.
—Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for earthquake
Recent Examples of Synonyms for earthquake
Noun
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Those who felt the quake are encouraged to report it through the USGS Felt Report form.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
8 Mar. 2026
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When aftershock data is available, the corresponding maps and charts include earthquakes within 100 miles and seven days of the initial quake.—
William B. Davis,
New York Times,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The conflict also triggered political tensions and economic upheaval, drawing incountries far beyond the Middle East.—
Juliana Kim,
NPR,
7 Mar. 2026
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For Washington, the diplomatic shift also reflects a broader effort to stabilize Venezuela after years of political upheaval and economic collapse that triggered one of the largest migration crises in the Western Hemisphere.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The political tremors triggered by the ballot measure already have reshaped California’s political landscape.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
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Weak to light shaking has been detected and people reported feeling the tremor in several cities, including Geyserville, Kelseyville and Cloverdale according to the USGS DYFI report.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Back then, neither of us could have foreseen the pandemic, Georgia’s growing political unrest, a war in neighboring Ukraine, or the collapse of several multi-brand retailers, which altogether has slowed down progress for Situationist and Georgian fashion more broadly.—
Lucy Maguire,
Vogue,
10 Mar. 2026
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Cruise lines may adjust itineraries due to security concerns, such as military action or civil unrest, along with other reasons like severe weather.—
Nathan Diller,
USA Today,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The monarchist movement has not governed Iran since 1979, and its corrupt, despotic leader was overthrown in the revolution.—
Farah N. Jan,
The Conversation,
10 Mar. 2026
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The second crisis stemmed from the revolution in Iran and its subsequent conflict with Iraq, which disrupted Iranian oil exporters.—
Steve H. Hanke,
Fortune,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Chance of lightning increases as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is overhead.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 Mar. 2026
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By night, the scene softens with storm lanterns lit by hotel staff, who also patrol the premises.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Earthquake.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/earthquake. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
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