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
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Recent Examples of tectonic
The unique geologic profiles here—the Colorado Plateau, the Basin and Range region, the Rocky Mountains—are side effects of ancient inland seas, volcanic history, and an active boundary between two tectonic plates.
—
Lauren Steele, The Atlantic, 7 Feb. 2026
When the tectonic plates began to pull apart millions of years later, those ancient faults at their edges reawakened, reincarnated as transform faults.
—Evan Howell, Scientific American, 4 Feb. 2026
The shifting tectonic plates at both firms reflect a broader transformation in asset management.
—Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 30 Jan. 2026
Frost quakes are often mistaken for earthquakes but are not related to tectonic plate activity.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tectonic
Lauren Steele, The Atlantic, 7 Feb. 2026
When the tectonic plates began to pull apart millions of years later, those ancient faults at their edges reawakened, reincarnated as transform faults.
—Evan Howell, Scientific American, 4 Feb. 2026
The shifting tectonic plates at both firms reflect a broader transformation in asset management.
—Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 30 Jan. 2026
Frost quakes are often mistaken for earthquakes but are not related to tectonic plate activity.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tectonic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tectonic
Adjective
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Here's your daily look at traffic on major highways in the Kansas City area.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
20 Feb. 2026
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Singleton said that preparation is rooted in a broader understanding of what actually drives trafficking around major sporting events.—
Cierra Morgan,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Five hundred or so San Diego city employees were assigned to work in offices at 1010 Broadway when the landlord began significant renovations.—
Jeff McDonald,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Feb. 2026
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Iowa State transfer Jontez Williams slots in as a cornerback starter, while freshman Rock Hill and other young prospects compete for significant playing time.—
Ryan Kartje,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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For a taste of history, the Tai O Heritage Hotel—a former marine police station and grade II historic building—serves up local delicacies under a glass roof, offering stunning views and a side of Tai O's famous shrimp paste.—
Condé Nast Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Feb. 2026
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The upcoming historic mission, expected to lift off as soon as early March, will mark the first time humans have ventured to the moon’s vicinity in more than 50 years — and kick-start a new wave of lunar exploration that could answer enduring questions about Earth’s natural satellite.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Tire tread depth - Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
20 Feb. 2026
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Since Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy has been an enduring style icon since the ’90s, her fashion legacy was most important to protect.—
Kristina Rutkowski,
Vogue,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Hill said organizers explored the possibility of holding the event in La Jolla Shores but determined that Kellogg Park isn’t big enough for it.—
Noah Lyons,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 Feb. 2026
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The big adjustment the Wolverines made was making La Mirada’s Gene Roebuck work a little harder.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tectonic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tectonic. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.
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