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
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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
as in demolishing
to cause to break with violence and much noise
shattered the priceless vase in one clumsy fall
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of shattering
But customers should not expect earth-shattering menu changes.
—
Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 2 Apr. 2026
With large hailstones capable of shattering windshields and denting vehicles, meteorologists are urging residents to move cars into garages, covered parking areas or sheltered spots.
—Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
To create an environment where everyone feels welcome and to create a business, shattering records and delivering community impact in a way that is embedded in its business model.
—Wendy Naugle, USA Today, 30 Mar. 2026
Martha had a confidence-shattering experience with her previous boyfriend.
—Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 29 Mar. 2026
Atlanta Police Department During the incident, a stray bullet struck an Atlanta Public Schools bus, shattering one of its windows.
—Cbs News Atlanta Staff, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026
But record-shattering heat will continue in the Southeast, with no relief coming this weekend.
—Kyle Reiman, ABC News, 28 Mar. 2026
Iran has responded by launching thousands of projectiles at cities across neighboring Arab states, shattering the stability the region had long.
—Becky Anderson, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2026
Within just 48 hours, two autonomous couriers from different companies veered off course and collided with shelters shattering glass and alarming nearby residents.
—Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 26 Mar. 2026
Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 2 Apr. 2026
With large hailstones capable of shattering windshields and denting vehicles, meteorologists are urging residents to move cars into garages, covered parking areas or sheltered spots.
—Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
To create an environment where everyone feels welcome and to create a business, shattering records and delivering community impact in a way that is embedded in its business model.
—Wendy Naugle, USA Today, 30 Mar. 2026
Martha had a confidence-shattering experience with her previous boyfriend.
—Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 29 Mar. 2026
Atlanta Police Department During the incident, a stray bullet struck an Atlanta Public Schools bus, shattering one of its windows.
—Cbs News Atlanta Staff, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026
But record-shattering heat will continue in the Southeast, with no relief coming this weekend.
—Kyle Reiman, ABC News, 28 Mar. 2026
Iran has responded by launching thousands of projectiles at cities across neighboring Arab states, shattering the stability the region had long.
—Becky Anderson, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2026
Within just 48 hours, two autonomous couriers from different companies veered off course and collided with shelters shattering glass and alarming nearby residents.
—Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 26 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shattering
Verb
-
Will Trump adopt Putin-style tactics by destroying power plants or even desalination plants in what could amount to an attack on the beleaguered Iranian people themselves?—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Apr. 2026
-
In the weeks since, fears of a long-term occupation of southern Lebanon have grown, with Israel moving to establish a buffer zone in the area, leveling homes and destroying bridges over the Litani River, which connects the south to the rest of Lebanon, while taking control of what crossings remain.—
Chantal Da Silva,
NBC news,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Maces, which were little more than rocks mounted on sticks, had questionable value as hunting tools, but they were superbly suited for smashing the bones and skulls of other humans.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Charging forward, Tuanzebe met the ball as its arc fell just in front of the goal, smashing it for a 1-0 lead.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
And thanks to their merino wool blend—helpful for moisture control and odor resistance—I did’t have to worry about ruining good shoes with gross foot sweat.—
Christa Sgobba,
Glamour,
31 Mar. 2026
-
The young Wolverines had already taken their leave with figurative Texas tread marks ruining their silky white, maize and blue uniforms.—
Cedric Golden,
Austin American Statesman,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Plans call for demolishing the three-story former office building on the site and constructing a single-story, 30-foot-tall building containing approximately 26,000 square feet of event space, according to information shared by the village.—
Jennifer Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Mar. 2026
-
The city’s long-term plan calls for demolishing the existing facility and replacing it with a new permanent building.—
Karen Kucher,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
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For this woman, devastating in her humanity and dignity throughout the four months of the extraordinary trial, who was propelled into becoming a global icon in the fight against the violence done to women, the time has now come to rebuild.—
TIME,
Time,
7 Apr. 2026
-
Our team found that a hospital cyberattack cut the odds of surviving a cardiac arrest without devastating brain damage by nearly 90% at nearby hospitals, not just the one that was attacked.—
Jeffrey Tully,
Fortune,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Try to find a place that will block blowing or falling debris.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
7 Apr. 2026
-
The city did not adopt its own grocery tax to replace it, blowing a roughly $80 million hole in its budget.—
Jeremy Gorner,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
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But here’s the thing — ignoring your gutters is one of the fastest ways to turn a free weekend project into a budget-wrecking emergency repair.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Miami Herald,
31 Mar. 2026
-
This might drive like a dirt race, giving Reddick, Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell a chance to shine as their cars are on the verge of wrecking.—
Jordan Bianchi,
New York Times,
21 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Ponson had heard the lore of fast-developing storms in the northern Gulf — systems that escaped the notice of meteorologists — before exploding into near-gale winds, towering waves and rare but deadly storms.—
Kelly McGreal,
FOXNews.com,
5 Apr. 2026
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But Explosive News’ videos might be the world’s most potent example of slopaganda yet, changing hearts and minds—or at least generating lots of clicks—one exploding toy battleship at a time.—
Kyle Chayka,
New Yorker,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shattering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shattering. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.
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