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
Understanding friction better could help scientists better understand how the Earth’s tectonic plates slide and grind during earthquakes, for example, or to save energy by reducing friction and wear.
—
Adithi Ramakrishnan, Fortune, 26 Feb. 2026
However, Antarctic glaciation was driven by multiple forces, Forte explained, including falling carbon dioxide levels, shifting ocean circulation patterns, and tectonic changes.
—Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 25 Feb. 2026
Understanding friction better could help scientists better understand how the Earth's tectonic plates slide and grind during earthquakes, for example, or to save energy by reducing friction and wear.
—ABC News, 25 Feb. 2026
The same physics in slip pulses are seen during earthquakes, when tectonic faults produce high-speed ruptures that sometimes move faster than the speed of sound.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tectonic
Adithi Ramakrishnan, Fortune, 26 Feb. 2026
However, Antarctic glaciation was driven by multiple forces, Forte explained, including falling carbon dioxide levels, shifting ocean circulation patterns, and tectonic changes.
—Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 25 Feb. 2026
Understanding friction better could help scientists better understand how the Earth's tectonic plates slide and grind during earthquakes, for example, or to save energy by reducing friction and wear.
—ABC News, 25 Feb. 2026
The same physics in slip pulses are seen during earthquakes, when tectonic faults produce high-speed ruptures that sometimes move faster than the speed of sound.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tectonic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tectonic
Adjective
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Lambermont said that the growth of AI and data centers has major implications for economic growth in the coming years.—
Zach Halaschak,
The Washington Examiner,
20 Mar. 2026
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Recent gas line strikes heighten concern The incident comes just two days after two separate natural gas line strikes elsewhere in Lake Dallas triggered major closures and evacuations near City Hall.—
Doug Myers,
CBS News,
20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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While most employees are working from the office again, a significant number are still working from home, and many aren’t coming in every weekday.—
Roger Vincent,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Mar. 2026
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But the intersection where Zhu was killed and Kuang was gravely injured has seen no significant changes in the eight years since the collision — except the full removal of the crosswalk.—
Ariane Lange,
Sacbee.com,
16 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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So had Florida not decided to tweak its offense to emphasize paint touches, dwindling the bricks its guards had regularly tossed through the first two disastrous months, this could have been a historic season.—
Noah White,
Miami Herald,
22 Mar. 2026
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Following a meticulous four-year renovation, creative directors Kirstin Bailey and Paul Haslhofer have carefully preserved the building’s historic bones while introducing a more contemporary aesthetic.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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One of the more important revelations from Netanyahu’s press conference was about how the joint strikes with the United States, known as Operation Epic Fury, have been extremely effective at decimating Iran’s weapons.—
Washington Examiner Staff,
The Washington Examiner,
20 Mar. 2026
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But, really, these are the times when that stuff is most important.—
Nick Miller,
New York Times,
20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Looking for a new brow gel or foundation but don’t want to put a big dent in your wallet?—
Catharine Malzahn,
Glamour,
18 Mar. 2026
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Cost of living a major concern The plans come at a time when Americans say that inflation and cost-of-living concerns are their biggest economic gripes heading into the elections.—
Zach Halaschak,
The Washington Examiner,
18 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tectonic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tectonic. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.
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