shatter 1 of 2

1
2
as in to smash
to cause to break open or into pieces by or as if by an explosive shattered the sealed clay pot to find out what was inside

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3

shatter

2 of 2

noun

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 shatter
Verb
The family heard plates and glasses shatter — and then boots stomping up the stairs. Christina Goldbaum, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025 Here’s what to do when faced with the shatter heard around the world. Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 27 Mar. 2025
Noun
Hill pulled the trigger a third time, firing toward one of the victims and shattering the windshield. Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 23 June 2025 Four years later, Kipyegon shattered Hassan’s world record by a stunning 4.69 seconds in Monaco. Andrew Greif, NBC news, 22 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for shatter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shatter
Verb
  • Kanye West fired multiple PR firms before his antisemitic meltdowns destroyed billion-dollar partnerships with Adidas and Gap.
    Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
  • But the conflict has only escalated, with Russia’s launching some of its most extensive strikes in a war that has claimed hundreds of thousands of casualties, and Ukraine’s carrying out the audacious Operation Spiderweb drone attack, which damaged or destroyed strategic aircraft inside Russia.
    Adam Rasmi, Time, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • On June 21, Mitchell, South Dakota, broke its daily high temperatures record at 104 degrees, smashing its previous record of 101 degrees.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 24 June 2025
  • Numerous other boats were damaged that day as the powerful thunderstorm churned up waves and sent boats smashing into each other and the marina, according to KCRA-TV.
    Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • Check out Brecher's website for a breakdown of the filters and other peripherals used to capture and edit the cosmic splinter portrait.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 5 June 2025
  • Lee, a 40-year-old legislator, previously served as the PPP’s youngest party leader before being ousted by Yoon’s faction and subsequently founding his own splinter party.
    Jong Eun Lee, The Conversation, 29 May 2025
Verb
  • However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.
    Daniella Segura, Sacbee.com, 26 June 2025
  • And just like that, Donald Trump ruined something else.
    James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • Hegseth touted Caine's explanation as proof the bombs fully demolished Fordow.
    Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 27 June 2025
  • The more than 115-year-old Advocate Trinity building on the Southeast Side of Chicago, on 93rd Street, will continue to serve patients until the new hospital is ready, at which point it will be demolished.
    Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • Less than two minutes into the burn, the motor's exhaust nozzle violently shattered into countless shards of debris.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 26 June 2025
  • The shards weren’t discovered in the Alberts’ yard until after 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 29, 2022, according to Vanity Fair.
    Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • While everyone gives the duo a standing ovation, Zoe and company are devastated, knowing the truth.
    Barry Levitt, Time, 20 June 2025
  • Hannah is devastated and completely beside herself over the events that have transpired.
    Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • That connection and warmth was obvious on Friday night, with Cardi blowing past her bedtime to give the gays, the dolls and everyone else an experience beyond what any other NYC festival provides.
    Joe Lynch, Billboard, 28 June 2025
  • One of the grants in the FEMA program that blew past its deadline for opening applications pays half of his salary.
    Jennifer Berry Hawes, ProPublica, 27 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Shatter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shatter. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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