as in major
having great meaning or lasting effect
a tectonic shift in societal trends occurred in the 1960s
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Recent Examples of tectonic
Iceland's Volcanic Eruptions Iceland lies in a unique position as part of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a 10,000-mile-long mountain chain that represents the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
—
Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 25 Apr. 2025
The invention of the internet and the rise of ecommerce are the latest tectonic changes in the retail world.
—Craig Lebrau, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
Something similar might be happening in Tibet today as the tectonic plate carrying India rams into that of Asia and crumples the crust against the Tibetan plateau.
—Alexandra Witze, JSTOR Daily, 24 Apr. 2025
The country is located between two major tectonic plates that effectively squeeze Turkey out sideways.
—Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tectonic
Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 25 Apr. 2025
The invention of the internet and the rise of ecommerce are the latest tectonic changes in the retail world.
—Craig Lebrau, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
Something similar might be happening in Tibet today as the tectonic plate carrying India rams into that of Asia and crumples the crust against the Tibetan plateau.
—Alexandra Witze, JSTOR Daily, 24 Apr. 2025
The country is located between two major tectonic plates that effectively squeeze Turkey out sideways.
—Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tectonic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tectonic
Adjective
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The three-time major champion, lacking only the Wanamaker Trophy for his major collection, ran off three straight bogeys early on the back nine and shot 76.—
Doug Ferguson,
Chicago Tribune,
16 May 2025
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According to a 2025 report from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, roughly 21% of consumers with a credit record were using a buy now, pay later plan from one of six major firms in 2022.—
Melina Khan,
USA Today,
16 May 2025
Adjective
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While reports differ as to whether costs are rising or falling in recent years, college tuition is still a significant expense, even with financial aid and scholarships.—
True Tamplin,
Forbes.com,
10 May 2025
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The barrier-breaking series revolutionized television and made significant contributions to representation on screen, with Ball's role as the lead seen as groundbreaking for the time.—
Virginia Chamlee,
People.com,
10 May 2025
Adjective
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Photo of the day: Chicagoans pack pews to celebrate South Side pope Rome, the ancient city and historic home of the Catholic Church, felt close to the South Side on Sunday as Chicagoans were still grasping the reality that a son of the neighborhood had become pope, the first American ever.—
Jane Onyanga-Omara,
USA Today,
13 May 2025
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The discovery may shed new light on the region's historic culture and wealth, as well as the craftsmanship skills of those living within the society at the time.—
Chloe Mayer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 May 2025
Adjective
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Isaac has done a terrible thing to this person, and that is important to see.—
Adam B. Vary,
Variety,
5 May 2025
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And with at least one more season left in the ABC procedural’s future, an important decision needs to be made: Who will become the next captain of the 118?—
Andy Swift,
TVLine,
5 May 2025
Adjective
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Crow-Armstrong had a big series against the Sox and seems to enjoy being a villain in the eyes of Sox fans for his chest-thumping, arm-waving celebrations.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
19 May 2025
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Faced this time with the reality that all of the big U.S. shale plays have now moved into the development and maintenance phase of their lifespans, Trump and his senior officials understand there can be no repeat of that first-term focus.—
David Blackmon,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tectonic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tectonic. Accessed 21 May. 2025.
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