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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Recent Examples of tsunami
Alaska's 1,578-foot tsunami was second largest ever recorded.
—
Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 7 May 2026
For instance, despite lasting only 20 seconds, the 1995 earthquake that struck Kobe, Japan destroyed 100,000 buildings, and the 2011 earthquake/tsunami that smashed Tōhoku, Japan killed more than 15,000 people and forced 130,000 to abandon their homes temporarily or permanently.
—New Atlas, 6 May 2026
But in its aftermath, scientists immediately went to work, piecing together what happens when a mountainside collapse kicks off a mega-tsunami and no one is around to see it.
—Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 6 May 2026
When the landslide hits the water, the momentum of millions of tons of rock is transferred into tsunami waves.
—Ezgi Karasözen, The Conversation, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for tsunami
Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 7 May 2026
For instance, despite lasting only 20 seconds, the 1995 earthquake that struck Kobe, Japan destroyed 100,000 buildings, and the 2011 earthquake/tsunami that smashed Tōhoku, Japan killed more than 15,000 people and forced 130,000 to abandon their homes temporarily or permanently.
—New Atlas, 6 May 2026
But in its aftermath, scientists immediately went to work, piecing together what happens when a mountainside collapse kicks off a mega-tsunami and no one is around to see it.
—Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 6 May 2026
When the landslide hits the water, the momentum of millions of tons of rock is transferred into tsunami waves.
—Ezgi Karasözen, The Conversation, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for tsunami
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tsunami
Noun
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The starting surge, to my understanding, can cause damage to electronics.—
Hartford Courant,
Hartford Courant,
12 May 2026
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James Harden added 24 points and 11 assists for Cleveland, which outscored Detroit 60-47 in the second half after breaking open the game with a 22-0 surge to start the third quarter.—
Darnell Mayberry,
New York Times,
12 May 2026
Noun
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Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous surf and NEVER turn your back on the ocean.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
14 May 2026
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The water scenes are among the animation’s most gorgeous and effective, with Kristen teaching AJ how to swim and, soon enough, to surf.—
Tomris Laffly,
Variety,
13 May 2026
Noun
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The swell of political dissatisfaction with Starmer from many of his colleagues, and what appears to be his narrow escape from an immediate leadership challenge, provides the impetus for the government to revamp its legislative agenda.—
Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
13 May 2026
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The curve of the land shields the coastline from a heavier swell from the Atlantic, so the water remains calm and clear for long stretches.—
Jessica Chapel,
Condé Nast Traveler,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
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After a tidal wave of blowback that culminated in a lawsuit, a nonprofit health system has reversed course in its plan to replace its Oregon emergency physicians with a national chain.—
Tara Bannow,
STAT,
6 May 2026
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There wasn’t exactly a tidal wave of reaction to the news on social media months ago.—
Michael Deeds,
Idaho Statesman,
29 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tsunami.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tsunami. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
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