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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 In 2018, the volcano collapsed, triggering a huge tsunami that killed more than 400 people and displaced thousands on the country’s coastlines. — Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2026 The death toll stands at more than 1,300 after the August 26 disaster triggered by the collapse of a section of glacier, which plunged into water below setting off a tsunami-like surge. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 7 Sep. 2026 The disaster mitigation agency said on Saturday ​there was ⁠no imminent risk of tsunami from the volcano. — CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026 Walmart has decided to unleash a tsunami of Labor Day tech deals from brands like HP, Roborock, Bose, and more. — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tsunami
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tsunami
  1. surge
  2. surf
  3. swell
  4. tidal wave
Noun
  • Xi appears to be in a stronger position, having overseen a surge in China's trade and firmly in control of supplies of rare earth minerals that give him powerful leverage.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Weather conditions and fluctuations in energy supply mean that power surges are real, and don’t just happen to other people.
    — Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of surge
Noun
  • At high tide, sunbathers crowded into a neat line in front of the dunes, with the surf tickling their toes.
    — Adam Van Brimmer, AJC.com, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Further investment by the Carlsson family includes the purchase of an iconic 1822 bathhouse, Varbergs Kusthotell, a 30-minute drive from the family’s estate on the Halland coast (also near Apelviken, aka the best surf beach in Sweden).
    — Michelle Tchea, Robb Report, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of surf
Noun
  • Laguna Beach, Dana Point and Carlsbad last week declared local states of emergency, citing coastal erosion and sand loss from the effects of a south swell brought on by Hurricane Marie.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026
  • The soundtrack, the swell of the collective gasps, even the lighting at night gives it the effect of building toward something big.
    — Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of swell
Noun
  • The road here has been a long one marked by a tidal wave of industry opposition, a bruising legal fight, and threats by Paramount CEO David Ellison to exit Hollywood and relocate Paramount to another state.
    — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Hospitality giant Hilton has seen a tidal wave of young candidates flood its inbox—and in the AI era, getting selected is even rarer than getting into Harvard University.
    — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of tidal wave

Browse Nearby Words

tsk-tsks
tsunami
tsunamis
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Cite this Entry

“Tsunami.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tsunami. Accessed 27 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on tsunami

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tsunami

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