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 Researchers estimated that key sections of the fault in Southern California are at their highest level of tectonic strain in the last 1,000 years. — Rong-Gong Lin Ii Los Angeles Times, Arkansas Online, 2 Aug. 2026 Instead, the trend highlights how sometimes-latent creativity and innovation are often reignited by tectonic shifts in technology and know-how. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 31 July 2026 The results showed that the geochemistry of magma in Etna, for the most part, has remained surprisingly consistent over time, even though tectonic shifts have occurred in the region. — Refractor, 27 July 2026 This is due to Earth’s frequent shifting tectonic plates and weathering, which contribute to the removal of these craters. — Megan Fahrney, ABC News, 24 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
  • Russia, another major source of fuel, has been knocked offline by another war, the conflict with Ukraine.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Works by major international artists (Tschabalala Self, Francesco Clemente, Chantal Joffe) sit alongside Greek artists (Vasilis Papageorgiou, Kostas Paniaras, Sofia Mitsola) and commissions created on site, scattered through the hotel and grounds.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of major
Adjective
  • In the years after the Covid-19 pandemic, San Francisco saw a significant population decline, losing more than 60,000 residents between 2020 and 2022, according to US Census data.
    — Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The Army's most significant response has been the Future Soldier Preparatory Course, a pre-basic training program primarily at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, for recruits who narrowly miss academic or body-fat standards.
    — Steven Beynon, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of significant
Adjective
  • The backstory Once upon a time, there was a Spanish family blessed with a talent for finding historic buildings and transforming them into hotels that anyone who admires beauty and nature would want to visit.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
  • One of Roseville's oldest and most historic structures is getting some new attention.
    — James Taylor, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of historic
Adjective
  • But before that, the team will hold what is perhaps their most important practice of the fall.
    — Connor Riley, AJC.com, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Originally constructed in the 1860s to house two battalions of the British Army, Chelsea Barracks served as an important military base for more than 140 years before being decommissioned in 2008.
    — Nick Scott, Robb Report, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of important
Adjective
  • Prosecutors revealed Davis’ admittedly big mouth had been opening to investigators since 1998 – only two years after Shakur was gunned down – in a series of secret interviews trying to minimize his own legal damage by giving information to the cops.
    — Andy Rose, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Gone was the terror of wondering if the piece that was about to air was going to get big enough laughs from the live audience.
    — Merrill Markoe, Deadline, 21 Aug. 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 24 Aug. 2026.

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