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
Having broken off from the southern supercontinent Gondwana roughly 120 million years ago, the Indian landmass drifted north, moving far faster than most tectonic plates do today.
—
Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
At the Arctic Mid-Ocean Ridge off the Norwegian coast, molten rock rises from deep within the Earth between spreading tectonic plates.
—Christian Elliott, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Apr. 2025
Between 24 and seven million years ago, shifting tectonic plates caused to alps to rise up and caused the collapse of the valley floor, allowing water from the Mediterranean to enter.
—Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 18 Apr. 2025
This is a book of big themes, an analysis of how the tectonic plates of geopolitics have collided over the past century and how their current movement again threatens conflict and turmoil.
—John Hillen, National Review, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tectonic
Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
At the Arctic Mid-Ocean Ridge off the Norwegian coast, molten rock rises from deep within the Earth between spreading tectonic plates.
—Christian Elliott, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Apr. 2025
Between 24 and seven million years ago, shifting tectonic plates caused to alps to rise up and caused the collapse of the valley floor, allowing water from the Mediterranean to enter.
—Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 18 Apr. 2025
This is a book of big themes, an analysis of how the tectonic plates of geopolitics have collided over the past century and how their current movement again threatens conflict and turmoil.
—John Hillen, National Review, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tectonic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tectonic
Adjective
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The Department of Justice (DOJ) has a major advantage here: Google is guilty.—
Ryan Whitwam,
ArsTechnica,
21 Apr. 2025
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The series has achieved cult status among Indian cinema enthusiasts and remains the country’s only major female cop franchise.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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He was faced with significant second-guessing from fellow Democrats about his ability to finish the race before ultimately deciding to end his campaign.—
Phillip M. Bailey,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2025
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However, these new drugs carry significant challenges, including high costs, the need for frequent brain scans to monitor serious side effects and the risk of swelling or bleeding in the brain.—
Allen Chang,
ABC News,
29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Gain an edge with CNBC Pro LIVE , an exclusive, inaugural event at the historic New York Stock Exchange.—
Brian Evans,
CNBC,
18 Apr. 2025
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Chamizal, a national memorial: 800 S San Marcial St, El Paso El Camino Real de los Tejas, a national historic trail: see trail map here El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, a national historic trail: runs through Texas and New Mexico.—
Ella Gonzales,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Three Key Lessons: Pareek’s Insights into Innovation Over the course of his career, Pareek has learned many important lessons.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
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Perhaps corner was a more important spot, but Starks is an elite player.—
Jeff Zrebiec,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Denny was a big John Bonham freak, and that’s just pure Bonham right there.—
Mikael Wood,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Apr. 2025
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But the Cavaliers responded by outscoring the Heat 61-35 over the rest of the first half to enter halftime with a big 68-51 lead behind scorching 14-of-23 (60.9 percent) shooting from three-point range in the first two quarters.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
24 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tectonic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tectonic. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
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