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
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Recent Examples of tsunami
The 25,000 survivors were hand-picked by the city’s therapist, played by Sarah Shahi, after Sinatra was warned about a tsunami that would end global civilization.
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Jackie Strause, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Jan. 2025
In 2011, the deadliest quake and subsequent tsunami in recent Japanese history struck northwest of the capital Tokyo and killed at least 20,000 people.
—Sana Noor Haq, CNN, 13 Jan. 2025
The tsunami waves reached up to 100 feet high in some areas.
—Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 27 Jan. 2025
Most-clicked in our last newsletter: Stephen Nesbitt’s story on how Sasaki’s life, career and outlook were shaped by losing family in the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami.
—Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic, 20 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for tsunami 
Jackie Strause, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Jan. 2025
In 2011, the deadliest quake and subsequent tsunami in recent Japanese history struck northwest of the capital Tokyo and killed at least 20,000 people.
—Sana Noor Haq, CNN, 13 Jan. 2025
The tsunami waves reached up to 100 feet high in some areas.
—Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 27 Jan. 2025
Most-clicked in our last newsletter: Stephen Nesbitt’s story on how Sasaki’s life, career and outlook were shaped by losing family in the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami.
—Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic, 20 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for tsunami
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tsunami
Noun
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Coupled with a strong defensive showing for more than three-quarters of the game, Minnesota heated up enough offensively to tie the game in the fourth quarter before a late Iowa surge resulted in a 68-60 Hawkeyes’ win.—
Mike Cook,
Twin Cities,
7 Feb. 2025
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Though the county is pushing hard for a late-season vaccination surge, many will surely feel protected having already suffered through a bout with influenza this winter.—
Paul Sisson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The restaurant’s unlikely moniker references McGee’s pet deer Bambi, who locals often spotted splashing around in the surf alongside McGee.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
10 Feb. 2025
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Before the child was found in the surf, officers questioned Mitchell about his whereabouts.—
KC Baker,
People.com,
3 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The performances led to a swell in interest from rival teams, particularly as the commercial pull of Colapinto became clear thanks to the influx of Argentine sponsors for Williams and F1 itself.—
Luke Smith,
The Athletic,
9 Jan. 2025
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Along with his obesity amd high blood pressure, Henry suffered from painful venous leg ulcers that made his lower limbs swell, and pustules would burst.—
Baz Bamigboye,
Deadline,
9 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Populist figures, already emboldened by a tidal wave of anti-establishment electoral sentiment, have found a congenial reception in Trump’s orbit.—
Laura King,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Jan. 2025
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Thailand Image The arrival of the tidal wave at the Le Meridien hotel in Khao Lak, near Phuket.—
Hannah Beech,
New York Times,
26 Dec. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Tsunami.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tsunami. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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