TECTONIC Synonyms: 74 Similar and Opposite Words

tectonic

adjective

tek-ˈtä-nik

Definition of tectonic

as in major

having great meaning or lasting effect a tectonic shift in societal trends occurred in the 1960s

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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 area remains geologically active, so the landscape is ever-changing and tectonic forces are expected to produce future eruptions. — Josh Laskin, Travel + Leisure, 3 July 2026 Yet the industry confronts many of the same disruptive tectonic challenges of live action entertainment. — Kevin Giraud, Variety, 29 June 2026 The ruptures happened along a boundary between the South American and Caribbean tectonic plates. — Phil Helsel, NBC news, 27 June 2026 The country sits on the edge of a giant east-west fault that is the boundary between the Caribbean and South American tectonic plates. — Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for tectonic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tectonic

Adjective

Apple leveled major allegations against OpenAI and some of its staffers Friday, alleging the ChatGPT maker systematically directed current and former Apple employees to bring secret information over to OpenAI.

— Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 11 July 2026
The discovery of the buckling columns launched a major effort to shore up — or reinforce — the building’s weakest points, with crews using emergency jacks and installing new steel supports.

— Gloria Pazmino, CNN Money, 11 July 2026

Definition of major

Adjective

That’s reigniting age-old feuds about production quotas that already led the United Arab Emirates, one of OPEC’s most significant members, to leave the group in April.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
It is recommended that any batteries in devices that will be stored for significant periods should undergo a maintenance routine to maintain their health by charging them to half capacity every six months.

— Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026

Definition of significant

Adjective

And in one section, 1,200 cc engines are being assembled for the company’s new superpremium motorbike, the Norton Manx R, one of four new models from the historic British brand now owned by TVS Motor and set to go on sale later this year.

— Anu Raghunathan, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026
New York — The stocks that have fueled Wall Street’s powerful AI rally are suddenly under pressure as investors evaluate rising tensions in the Middle East, take profits after a historic run and reassess where to find value.

— John Towfighi, CNN Money, 9 July 2026

Definition of historic

Browse Nearby Words

technophobes

tectonic

tedious

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“Tectonic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tectonic. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of tectonic

adjective

Example Sentences

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