as in major
having great meaning or lasting effect
a tectonic shift in societal trends occurred in the 1960s
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples 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 tectonic
The plume is still stretching the crust, but the rifts may be taking advantage of weaknesses left by previous episodes of tectonic grinding.
—
Bypaul Voosen, science.org, 7 Nov. 2024
But as history suggests, the seemingly spontaneous emergence of new roles in the art ecosystem offers tectonic evidence of the shifting ground on which art stands.
—Natasha Degen, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2024
Key Background Because of its position on the edge of a tectonic plate, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are common in Iceland.
—Ty Roush, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
The Tava found on Pikes Peak would have formed close to the equator within the heart of an ancient continent named Laurentia, which gradually, over time and long tectonic cycles, moved into its current northerly position in North America today.
—Liam Courtney-Davies, Discover Magazine, 14 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for tectonic 
Bypaul Voosen, science.org, 7 Nov. 2024
But as history suggests, the seemingly spontaneous emergence of new roles in the art ecosystem offers tectonic evidence of the shifting ground on which art stands.
—Natasha Degen, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2024
Key Background Because of its position on the edge of a tectonic plate, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are common in Iceland.
—Ty Roush, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
The Tava found on Pikes Peak would have formed close to the equator within the heart of an ancient continent named Laurentia, which gradually, over time and long tectonic cycles, moved into its current northerly position in North America today.
—Liam Courtney-Davies, Discover Magazine, 14 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for tectonic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tectonic
Adjective
-
In 2022, Biden signed into law the first major federal gun reform in three decades, about a month after an 18-year-old man opened fire at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, killing 19 students and two teachers.Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024
-
State officials said the new investment is expected to create hundreds of new, high-paying jobs by the end of 2030 and increase Ohio’s role as a major technology hub.J.D. Davidson | The Center Square, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 16 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
This type of marble became the preferred material for many significant buildings and sculptures in ancient Greece due to its quality and durability.Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
-
However, with more people coming into contact and working together than ever, one factor can still present a significant barrier: language.Molly Peck, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
The album’s existence is historic, a reminder of how singular these two are in a studio.August Brown, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2024
-
The festival and its Souk market had a new home this year in Jeddah’s historic Al Balad district.Leo Barraclough, Variety, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
Though Willis and Moore have both gone on to remarry (and divorce, for Moore's part) Willis' relationship with his ex continues to be an important one.Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 8 Dec. 2024
-
The county’s privatization debate will be important but also slow-moving.Randall Stephenson, Chicago Tribune, 8 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
Texas has a championship-level defense and a feast-or-famine passing game led by starting quarterback Quinn Ewers that typically makes enough big plays.The Athletic College Football, The Athletic, 8 Dec. 2024
-
But the man known as KAT has been just as big on the boards.Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 7 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near tectonic
Cite this Entry
“Tectonic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tectonic. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share