Synonyms of earthquake

earthquake

noun

ˈərth-ˌkwāk 

1

as in quake

a shaking of the earth

the San Andreas Fault is notorious for its earthquakes

Synonyms & Similar Words

• quake
• tremor
• temblor
• shake
• aftershock
• shock
• upheaval
• convulsion
• foreshock
• microearthquake
• cataclysm
• microseism
• seaquake

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• upheaval
• unrest
• revolution
• storm
• insurrection
• uprising
• revolt
• convulsion
• tempest
• turmoil
• cataclysm
• paroxysm
• eruption
• rebellion
• tumult
• uproar
• mutiny
• stir
• insurgency
• outbreak
• bouleversement
• overthrow
• seizure
• outburst
• upset
• spasm
• subversion
• commotion
• coil
• to-do
• shaking
• trembling
• squall
• row
• quaking
• pandemonium
• fit
• ruckus
• bustle
• furor
• overturn
• hubbub
• rocking
• rout
• bobbery
• flare-up
• furore
• ruction
• stew
• rumpus
• bluster
• hullabaloo
• fuss
• hurly-burly
• welter
• shindy
• williwaw

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of earthquake

That's more than flooding, earthquakes and drought losses combined. — Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026

The 2026 midterm elections delivered a political earthquake, with a series of candidates and statewide contests drawing national attention. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 4 Nov. 2026

According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the earthquake also left more than 45,000 homes damaged, 9,000 destroyed, and 140 buildings collapsed. — Rebecca Schneid, Time, 30 Oct. 2026

The RealReal, an online marketplace for resale luxury goods, was an earthquake of an idea when it was introduced, but the business has had to make several course corrections over the years, and now seems to be getting into something of a rhythm. — Evan Clark, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2026