shattering

Definition of shatteringnext
present participle of shatter
1
as in destroying
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 smashing
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

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 shattering The administration’s norm-shattering masks a more fundamental misunderstanding of how administrative power can bring about lasting change. Joshua M. Sharfstein, STAT, 16 May 2026 At that price point, the home will likely become the most expensive home sold in Miami-Dade, shattering the record set by Zuckerberg earlier this year. Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 14 May 2026 El-Said added that one of the teens threw a glass bottle at his face, shattering it in his eye. Rina Nakano, CBS News, 12 May 2026 Throughout its run, the production has become a box office phenomenon, repeatedly shattering house records and becoming the first show in the venue's 121-year history to gross more than $1 million in a single week. Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 9 May 2026 In what was undoubtedly earth shattering news for anyone with a tattoo of a chef's knife on their forearm, the trailer for the Anthony Bourdain biopic, Tony, dropped this week. Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 May 2026 Notable incidents include arrests near a school in Encinitas, agents shattering the windows of an Oceanside home during an early morning raid and detentions of ride-share drivers near Camp Pendleton. Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026 If the record pace continues, TDT will raise well over $400 million in the current fiscal year, shattering last year’s mark. Stephen Hudak, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 May 2026 Once inside, after shattering the hospital’s sliding glass doors, the officers found an empty ER, with a blood trail leading down the hall. Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 5 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shattering
Verb
  • Giant sheets of plastic hang from the ceiling to separate different areas for destroying things and painting.
    Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 15 May 2026
  • Pests and wood-destroying organisms Charlotte’s warm, humid climate makes termites a year-round threat, not just seasonal.
    Ryan Brennan May 15, Charlotte Observer, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • Suarez was caught on surveillance camera smashing into the Volkswagen Jetta on Amsterdam Ave.
    Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 16 May 2026
  • Dwight reached out and squeezed my upper arm, pulling me into a bear hug, smashing my face against the rough canvas of his jacket, his gloved hand on my ass pulling me closer.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • When sound came in, people were writing all these articles about how sound is ruining films.
    Andy Hazel, IndieWire, 14 May 2026
  • Dyckman’s sharing the top three outdoor decor trends that are ruining your space—plus, her favorite Amazon swaps to fix them, starting at $22.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 May 2026
Verb
  • The work included demolishing one stand entirely to create the space required to facilitate those media demands.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 14 May 2026
  • While the Israel Defense Forces continue to dismantle the physical fortress — recently demolishing the largest Hezbollah tunnel network in southern Lebanon — the Iranian people are dismantling the regime’s internal legitimacy.
    Liram Koblentz-Stenzler, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2026
Verb
  • Declining demand and cheap imports meant most mines had closed by the 1990s, devastating an economy built around them.
    Alexander Smith, NBC news, 6 May 2026
  • Right now, communities are still waiting on disaster funding after devastating wildfires.
    Linh Tat, Oc Register, 4 May 2026
Verb
  • The wind is blowing very hard against the president and, by extension, his party.
    ABC News, ABC News, 17 May 2026
  • When the air conditioner is on, the driver’s side vent is cold, the rear is cool, but the front passenger side vent is blowing hot air.
    John Paul Senior Manager Public Affairs And Traffic Safety Aaa Northeast, Hartford Courant, 16 May 2026
Verb
  • The line was a wrecking crew that also managed to outscore the opposition.
    Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 13 May 2026
  • Victor Wembanyama delivered another masterpiece with 39 points, 15 rebounds and more game-wrecking defense for the San Antonio Spurs, who took a 2-1 lead in the second-round NBA playoff series with a 115-108 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night.
    CBS News, CBS News, 9 May 2026
Verb
  • The planes then fall together, exploding into a fireball upon impact as the crew members drift to the ground nearby.
    Rebecca Boone, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2026
  • The aircraft then fall to the ground before exploding, sending thick black smoke billowing into the air.
    Greg Wehner , Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 17 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shattering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shattering. Accessed 18 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on shattering

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster