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

The earthquake's epicenter was roughly 7 miles northeast of Walker Lake and occurred at a depth of 6 miles. — Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2026

Shallow earthquakes do lead to more shaking being felt at the surface, though. — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 9 Oct. 2026

The earthquake was felt in Panama City and in San José, the capital of neighboring Costa Rica, according to Reuters. — Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2026

To have measles spreading so aggressively again now, a quarter century after this momentous occasion, is not some unfortunate but unavoidable expression of nature, like an earthquake. — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 8 Oct. 2026