1
as in quakes
a shaking of the earth
the San Andreas Fault is notorious for its earthquakes
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in upheavals
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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Recent Examples of earthquakes
It is estimated that there are 500,000 detectable earthquakes in the world each year.
—
Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 30 Jan. 2026
One unique characteristic of Michigan earthquakes is their reach.
—Ahmad Bajjey, CBS News, 29 Jan. 2026
That includes against flood, fire and even earthquakes.
—Diana Olick, CNBC, 23 Jan. 2026
But when earthquakes rupture the crust beneath the Southern Ocean, those hydrothermal systems briefly intensify, releasing pulses of iron that are mixed upward through the water column.
—New Atlas, 22 Jan. 2026
Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 30 Jan. 2026
One unique characteristic of Michigan earthquakes is their reach.
—Ahmad Bajjey, CBS News, 29 Jan. 2026
That includes against flood, fire and even earthquakes.
—Diana Olick, CNBC, 23 Jan. 2026
But when earthquakes rupture the crust beneath the Southern Ocean, those hydrothermal systems briefly intensify, releasing pulses of iron that are mixed upward through the water column.
—New Atlas, 22 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for earthquakes
Noun
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Frost quakes occur when the ground rapidly freezes and expands, creating a loud booming sound and sometimes minor, localized shaking.—
Marina Johnson,
Louisville Courier Journal,
27 Jan. 2026
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And since the swarm began in November, the mini-quakes have caused no damage or injuries, San Ramon Mayor Mark Armstrong said Monday.—
Paul Rogers,
Mercury News,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
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These are among the many questions posed by Simon Morrison’s sprawling biography of place, which seeks to understand a nation through the life of its largest city, tracing Moscow’s evolution via dozens of historical upheavals, from war, famine, drought, and much, much more.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 Jan. 2026
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Evans’ historic eight terms as the first Black chief judge saw the county through reforms, changes and upheavals including the elimination of cash bail and the COVID-19 pandemic.—
Madeline Buckley,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Jan. 2026
Noun
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In addition to tremors emanating from within the planet, these sensors detect explosions, traffic vibrations and even the vocalizations made by whales in the oceans.—
Tereza Pultarova,
Space.com,
24 Jan. 2026
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Formed in England in the mid-1600s, the Religious Society of Friends became known for the tremors and convulsions that would overtake its members during prayer.—
Walden Green,
Pitchfork,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Yet as neat and tidy as this sounds, such revolutions — especially those supported by outside interference — rarely proceed tidily.—
Robert Muggah,
Fortune,
5 Jan. 2026
-
The talk will encompass later American revolutions which related directly to principles expounded on in the Declaration of Independence such as abolition and women’s suffrage and civil rights.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
4 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Earthquakes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/earthquakes. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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