tectonic

adjective

tek-ˈtä-nik How to pronounce tectonic (audio)
Definition of tectonicnext
as in major
having great meaning or lasting effect a tectonic shift in societal trends occurred in the 1960s

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 tectonic Instead, the trend highlights how sometimes-latent creativity and innovation are often reignited by tectonic shifts in technology and know-how. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 31 July 2026 The results showed that the geochemistry of magma in Etna, for the most part, has remained surprisingly consistent over time, even though tectonic shifts have occurred in the region. — Refractor, 27 July 2026 This is due to Earth’s frequent shifting tectonic plates and weathering, which contribute to the removal of these craters. — Megan Fahrney, ABC News, 24 July 2026 Bucharest sits close to the Vrancea seismic zone, where the Eurasian tectonic plate slides beneath another in a way that can produce powerful earthquakes that are felt as far as Istanbul, Kyiv or even Moscow. — Andrei Popoviciu, The Dial, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for tectonic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tectonic
  1. major
  2. significant
  3. historic
  4. important
  5. big
Adjective
  • Investors have increasingly scrutinized the chipmaker’s expanding financial ties with major AI customers.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2026
  • That ironic reality may await passengers on KLM’s new Amsterdam-Toronto route this fall, among other major carriers.
    — Edward Russell, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of major
Adjective
  • Low-income Americans who can’t afford to buy into the housing market and who lack a significant presence in the stock market are starting on their back foot.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Apple needs significant upload capacty include the volume of shipping required to bring the iPhones to market.
    — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of significant
Adjective
  • The comments by Akishino, the next in line for the throne, come just weeks after a historic revision to the Imperial House Law by the conservative government of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi that insists only paternal-lineage men can become emperor.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The mayor said people visiting historic Bushnell Park don’t want to look down and see a message about slip and falls.
    — Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of historic
Adjective
  • That’s important for Cyprus because under an existing agreement, Cypriot energy consumers would have to put up as much as 63% of the cable’s construction cost, meaning a significant jump in electricity prices.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026
  • As artificial intelligence revolutionizes how tasks are completed, many people are pleading their cases for why their jobs are important.
    — Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of important
Adjective
  • Japan captain Warner Dearns said his lineup did everything possible to match it with the bigger Australian pack in the first half.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The Fireplace Shangri-la room is your own personal retreat, complete with an oversized soaking tub (big enough for even a tall girl like myself to enjoy) and separate shower.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of big

Browse Nearby Words

technophobes
tectonic
tedious
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tectonic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tectonic. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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