tectonic

adjective

tek-ˈtä-nik How to pronounce tectonic (audio)
Definition of tectonicnext
as in major
having great meaning or lasting effect a tectonic shift in societal trends occurred in the 1960s

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 tectonic The other striking thing is that some of the events occurred without an obvious indication of tectonic signals picked up by the hydrophones present. — John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 8 July 2026 Across a massive network of underwater mountain chains known as mid-ocean ridges, tectonic plates slowly pull apart, belching molten rock at the spreading seams. — Sam MacDonald, Scientific American, 8 July 2026 For some, such a tectonic shift in what high school should be represents a threat. — Tim Knowles, Fortune, 8 July 2026 According to the study, the first rupture occurred along the Boconó fault system, while the second originated on the San Sebastián fault, two of Venezuela’s principal tectonic structures. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for tectonic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tectonic
  1. major
  2. significant
  3. historic
  4. important
  5. big
Adjective
  • Yaks breed notoriously slowly, with females birthing just four or five offspring in their lifetime – a major challenge for their long-term survival.
    — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
  • The district, established in 1992, well after the Voting Rights Act, to help ensure Black voting power, is in the process of a major transition of leadership as Congresswoman Frederica Wilson winds down her final term.
    — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026
Definition of major
Adjective
  • Burnham’s faith is significant given the centuries of legislation and convention that effectively prevented Catholics from becoming prime minister.
    — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
  • While Kyiv has made significant progress since 2022 in defending itself against Russian missile and drone attacks, the country remains extremely vulnerable to ballistic missile strikes.
    — Ihor N. Stelmach, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2026
Definition of significant
Adjective
  • The storm system that caused historic flooding in West Virginia Tuesday into Wednesday and wreaked havoc from the Ohio Valley to the East Coast will linger across Virginia and the Southeast through the end of the week.
    — Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 23 July 2026
  • For many, its mix of Victorian-era architecture and historic landmarks is worth the trip alone.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 July 2026
Definition of historic
Adjective
  • Other issues important to him are allocating more money for the state’s infrastructure and funding for schools, according to his campaign website.
    — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026
  • But the details are important, and the realization that not everything may be working efficiently or correctly.
    — Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
Definition of important
Adjective
  • About the swamp A big, big place The Okefenokee Swamp is vast, 438,000-440,000 acres spanning about 700 square miles mostly in Charlton, Ware and Clinch counties in Georgia‘s southeast corner.
    — Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 25 July 2026
  • That means one in four rooms were available during the world’s biggest sporting event.
    — Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026
Definition of big

Browse Nearby Words

technophobes
tectonic
tedious
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tectonic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tectonic. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

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