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
Alongside the tectonic activity, Obiero says changing weather patterns in southwestern Ethiopia are likely a significant factor, increasing inflow into the lake through the Omo river, its major tributary.
—
Tommy Trenchard, NPR, 31 May 2026
Ruptures occur at various depths, faults hold varying amounts of potential energy, and tectonic plates break at different speeds — each affecting how the quake is felt even from a short distance away, Pitarka said.
—Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 30 May 2026
This is a tectonic shift, not just a news story.
—Andreas Schweitzer, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Capable of resisting earthquakes of magnitude 7 or above – a crucial feature given Taiwan's location on active tectonic plates – the Danjiang Bridge incorporates a complex seismic support system that manages forces that act on it in vertical and horizontal directions.
—New Atlas, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for tectonic
Tommy Trenchard, NPR, 31 May 2026
Ruptures occur at various depths, faults hold varying amounts of potential energy, and tectonic plates break at different speeds — each affecting how the quake is felt even from a short distance away, Pitarka said.
—Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 30 May 2026
This is a tectonic shift, not just a news story.
—Andreas Schweitzer, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Capable of resisting earthquakes of magnitude 7 or above – a crucial feature given Taiwan's location on active tectonic plates – the Danjiang Bridge incorporates a complex seismic support system that manages forces that act on it in vertical and horizontal directions.
—New Atlas, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for tectonic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tectonic
Adjective
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Today’s roundup covers major local food news, a tightening governor’s race, and a homicide arrest in North Sacramento.—
Ruyuan Li. Story produced with AI assistance,
Sacbee.com,
5 June 2026
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One major contributor, the docuseries seems to argue, is the downfall of the prosecution at the hands of its own witnesses.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
5 June 2026
Adjective
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Officials described the discovery as a significant blow to criminal organizations that rely on underground smuggling routes to move narcotics and other contraband across the border.—
Greg Wehner,
FOXNews.com,
2 June 2026
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The concerns stem from baseball's history of labor disputes and the significant divide between the league and the MLB Players Association on several economic issues.—
Peter Chawaga,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
Adjective
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Among the most renowned establishments is Salon Corona, a restaurant and brewery in Mexico City’s historic center.—
Michael Rios,
CNN Money,
7 June 2026
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During Black History Month (February) and Women’s History Month (March), the foundation also leads specific tours with a narrow focus on the historic contributions of each group.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 June 2026
Adjective
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China is North Korea’s top economic lifeline, accounting for the vast majority of the country’s foreign trade, and has long ranked as Pyongyang’s most important diplomatic partner.—
Simone McCarthy,
CNN Money,
5 June 2026
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This year, owing to a mixup in the congressional budget, one of the government’s most important scholarships was left severely underfunded, depriving thousands of Peru’s neediest high-school graduates of the opportunity to continue their studies at local universities.—
Daniel Alarcón,
New Yorker,
4 June 2026
Adjective
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Most travelers surveyed said their biggest regrets occurred as young adults.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
3 June 2026
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Among the big three of the Beats, Ginsberg remains the most enduring.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tectonic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tectonic. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
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