tsunami

noun

Definition of tsunaminext
as in surge
a very high, large wave in the ocean that is usually caused by an earthquake under the sea and that can cause great destruction when it reaches land The coastline will suffer devastating damage if a tsunami ever hits it.

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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 tsunami The Sashiko Gals, a collective of female artisans formed in the aftermath of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, recreated the Polo Bear using patches of indigo denim and chambray. — Luke Leitch, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2026 The agency ruled out tsunami risks and said assessments of vulnerable areas were ongoing. — ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026 Authorities did not report a destructive tsunami in the latest damage assessment. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 10 Oct. 2026 Despite the potential danger to coastal communities near the earthquake, officials said a Pacific-wide tsunami was not expected. — Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tsunami
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tsunami
  1. surge
  2. surf
  3. swell
  4. tidal wave
Noun
  • In Europe, German defense supplier Renk saw orders for its military vehicle business surge 46% in the first nine months of the year.
    — Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Ukraine offered no official response to the dramatic results, but some in the country expressed cautious optimism the Democratic surge would ease pressure from Washington.
    — Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of surge
Noun
  • There is a small chance for isolated Coastal Flood Warnings (highest chances Wednesday-Thursday) if larger surf develops.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Washout risks, high surf and erosion have closed the rail line for days over the summer.
    — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of surf
Noun
  • The swells flooded parts of the Pacific Coast Highway, forcing the closure of multiple stretches of the road in Huntington Beach.
    — Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Along with several other candidates this cycle, Chevalier became emblematic of a new swell of progressivism in America.
    — Mark Guiducci, Vanity Fair, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of swell
Noun
  • This week’s tidal wave election is both an embrace of Democrats and a firm, widespread rejection of Trumpism and MAGA.
    — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Following two years of anti-climate legislation from Washington, Tuesday’s blue tidal wave—giving Democrats control of both the Senate and the House—could provide an opportunity to change course.
    — Simmone Shah, Time, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of tidal wave

Browse Nearby Words

tsk-tsks
tsunami
tsunamis
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tsunami.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tsunami. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on tsunami

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tsunami

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