shatter 1 of 3

1
2
as in to smash
to cause to break open or into pieces by or as if by an explosive shattered the sealed clay pot to find out what was inside

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3

shatter

2 of 3

noun

shattering

3 of 3

verb (2)

present participle of shatter
1
as in destroying
to bring to a complete end the physical soundness, existence, or usefulness of tried to restore their shattered hopes

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in smashing
to cause to break open or into pieces by or as if by an explosive shattered the sealed clay pot to find out what was inside

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3

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 shatter
Verb
When a mysterious group of survivors, led by soldier Abby (Kaitlyn Dever), arrives on their doorstep, this period of relative peace is quickly shattered. Nick Romano, EW.com, 9 Apr. 2025 Or is there a dark horse lurking, ready to shatter the bookmakers’ expectations? Julia Ranney, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
First week of early voting in battleground Georgia 'shatters' records. Fox News, 22 Oct. 2024 Lamps shatter, biting and choking ensues, and by the time the 28 minutes are done, mayhem — literal and emotional — spills out from every corner. Steven Zeitchik, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Sep. 2024 See All Example Sentences for shatter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shatter
Noun
  • The design is classic and functional, and it’s made from a weather-resistant and UV-resistant material that won’t rot, splinter, chip, or peel.
    Megan Schaltegger, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Anyone who has suffered the indignity of a splinter, a blister, or a paper cut knows that small things can sometimes be hugely annoying.
    Nate Anderson, Ars Technica, 22 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Good: deliberately allowing his hands to be pierced by shards of glass to transform his body into a swiss-army knife.
    Gregory Nussen, Deadline, 8 Mar. 2025
  • The window completely shattered, sending shards of glass through the office, according to the party.
    William Melhado, Sacramento Bee, 4 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Those bales are sold to processors, who mechanically or chemically break them down into pellets, flakes, or fibers.
    Kaleigh Moore, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
  • To boost these levels and restore energy, try eating foods high in carbohydrates, such as whole grains like oats or bran flakes, and fruits like bananas or apples.
    Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Ukraine now still holds a tiny sliver of Kursk, trying to prevent Russia from advancing into the Sumy region.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Fried thigh strips pop out against a frilly red and green spring mix, apple and carrot slivers, ever-present blue cheese crumbles and an apple cider vinaigrette thickened with egg yolks, which is also used in Pangaea’s slaw.
    Benjy Egel, Sacbee.com, 2 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Despite her young age, even a gentle whisper of Lana’s name on the scene is enough to send shivers of excitement down the spines of New Yorkers from the clubs of Brooklyn to Manhattan.
    EW.com, EW.com, 8 Jan. 2025
  • His glaring eyes could send shivers down your spine.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Meanwhile, the air force is increasing its dependence on Chinese components such as chips and rare-earth materials.
    MICHAEL BROWN, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Fried Foods Fried foods include savory treats like french fries, chips, and chicken nuggets.
    Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH, Verywell Health, 21 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shatter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shatter. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on shatter

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!