1
as in to destroy
to bring to a complete end the physical soundness, existence, or usefulness of
tried to restore their shattered hopes
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
as in to demolish
to cause to break with violence and much noise
shattered the priceless vase in one clumsy fall
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in splinter
Related Words
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
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
30 June 2026
The continental United States registered its most abnormally hot month in 132 years of records in March, with record-shattering extremes first in the Southwest and then across the rest of the nation.
—
Alexa St. John,
Fortune,
30 June 2026
Bestreviews,
Chicago Tribune,
6 May 2026
The first batch of storms erupting in the western part of the threat zone is the one most likely to spin up tornadoes and unleash the biggest hail, which could total vehicles, shatter windows and damage roofs.
—
Briana Waxman,
CNN Money,
17 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shatter
Verb
If the seals fail or materials become brittle and shatter under the thermal shock, the entire mission is at risk.
—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
30 June 2026
The continental United States registered its most abnormally hot month in 132 years of records in March, with record-shattering extremes first in the Southwest and then across the rest of the nation.
—
Alexa St. John,
Fortune,
30 June 2026
Noun
The backboard is shatter-resistant, and there are two 4-inch foam basketballs designed for kids.
—
Bestreviews,
Chicago Tribune,
6 May 2026
The first batch of storms erupting in the western part of the threat zone is the one most likely to spin up tornadoes and unleash the biggest hail, which could total vehicles, shatter windows and damage roofs.
—
Briana Waxman,
CNN Money,
17 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shatter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shatter
Verb
-
National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez, the brother of acting President Delcy Rodríguez, said on Sunday that more than 12,000 people have been displaced by the earthquakes and 774 buildings have been damaged or destroyed, including hospitals.
-
There's nothing more quintessential to being a kid than playing Little League baseball, but on July Fourth, 2025, along with so much more, the Little League fields of Hill Country were destroyed, along with the innocence of thousands of kids who live here.
Verb
-
Powell is accused of smashing the mug over the victim's head.
-
The van’s windows were smashed and a lone orange traffic cone sat on the hood.
Noun
-
On director Rupert Wyatt’s Desert Warrior (2025), Mettler was the lead film editor, splinter unit director and associate producer.
-
But as the season neared the winter transfer window, the expectation was for Mainoo to leave on loan rather than continue to pick up splinters on the bench.
Verb
-
However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.
-
After all, plenty of cocktail enthusiasts already complain about mosquitoes ruining a summer evening.
Verb
-
The East Wing of the White House was demolished suddenly in October 2025, and construction at the site, which will be the location of a new 22,000-square-foot ballroom, has continued through mid-2026.
-
Just months later, in October, the East Wing had been demolished without notice to make way for the new ballroom.
Noun
-
Hall had shards of glass in his chest when he was found, per Utilma Hora.
-
In 2020, Ross became mostly blind in one eye after repeatedly getting metal shards in it and developing an infection in his cornea.
Verb
-
The project has sparked outrage because of the location’s pristine nature and unique habitat that would be irreversibly devastated, according to environmentalists.
-
BangkokReuters — The family of a 17-year-old Thai girl whose body was found in a suitcase in Pattaya said they were devastated by her death, for which an Australian man has been arrested and charged with murder.
Verb
-
Finally, during penalties, Paraguay was up 3-2 and needed to make only one more kick before missing its last two, nearly blowing the match.
-
The sobering reality, however, is that this is a 35-48 team that already has been blown too far off course.
Cite this Entry
“Shatter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shatter. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
