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 Panama is located near the intersection of several major tectonic plates. — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 9 Oct. 2026 Russia’s exquisite air defenses and geographic depth made no difference, and images of burning Russian bombers finally settled the debate as to whether drones are a tactical aberration or a tectonic shift in geopolitical power. — Dan Driscoll, Foreign Affairs, 28 Sep. 2026 The mountains of western North Carolina sit in the middle of the North American tectonic plate, according to the Center for Earthquake Research and Information at the University of Memphis. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 23 Sep. 2026 Mountains made tall by millions of years of violent, tectonic conflict. — Supriya Lopez Pillai, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tectonic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tectonic
  1. major
  2. significant
  3. historic
  4. important
  5. big
Adjective
  • Researchers in Italy have developed a polymer membrane that allows fluoride ions to move through a battery electrolyte at room temperature, addressing a major obstacle to the development of next-generation fluoride-ion batteries.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Nationally, Democrats picked up seven Senate seats Tuesday, gaining firm control of the upper chamber and making major inroads in Republican strongholds such as Texas.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of major
Adjective
  • However, developing electrolytes that can transport fluoride ions efficiently at room temperature has remained a significant challenge.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
  • But there are good reasons to think the shift can still prove significant for global climate action.
    — Laurence Tubiana, Time, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of significant
Adjective
  • But the idea carries new weight with the GOP moving to blame the Iran war for its historic loss Tuesday night.
    — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Many of the historic elements, like the original doors and staircase railings, remain and add to the charm of the property.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of historic
Adjective
  • In a world in which answers are increasingly easy to generate, the more important skill is knowing what to ask.
    — Washington Post, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2026
  • The radar systems are expected to provide an important detection and tracking layer within the broader US counter-UAS architecture.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of important
Adjective
  • Yet for the actors who brought them to life, some of their most memorable roles didn’t come with a big paycheck.
    — Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Schumer is poised to become majority leader just two years after Democrats lost the Senate, with a bigger majority than his party has commanded in more than a decade.
    — Theodoric Meyer The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 7 Nov. 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 9 Nov. 2026.

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