as in major
having great meaning or lasting effect
a tectonic shift in societal trends occurred in the 1960s
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Recent Examples of tectonic
The first-of-its-kind arrangement marks a tectonic shift for Florida’s largest school district, where charter schools have operated in their own facilities rather than district property.
—
Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2026
Commonly straits are formed by tectonic activity, such as a fracture in an isthmus.
—Scott Spires, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Apr. 2026
An earthquake starts deep underground when huge tectonic forces cause stress to build up along a fault line, a massive fracture in Earth’s crust where blocks of rock have shifted and moved past each other.
—Jacek Krywko, Scientific American, 23 Apr. 2026
Grabens are commonly found on Earth, and on Mars they are usually produced when tectonic stresses pull areas of land apart, creating fault lines that cause the land in between to drop down.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tectonic
Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2026
Commonly straits are formed by tectonic activity, such as a fracture in an isthmus.
—Scott Spires, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Apr. 2026
An earthquake starts deep underground when huge tectonic forces cause stress to build up along a fault line, a massive fracture in Earth’s crust where blocks of rock have shifted and moved past each other.
—Jacek Krywko, Scientific American, 23 Apr. 2026
Grabens are commonly found on Earth, and on Mars they are usually produced when tectonic stresses pull areas of land apart, creating fault lines that cause the land in between to drop down.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tectonic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tectonic
Adjective
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Jayson Tatum also suffered an apparent calf injury, which is a major concern for a player just under a year removed from an Achilles injury.—
Dan Santaromita,
New York Times,
1 May 2026
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In dozens of markets, including San Diego and Sacramento, Nexstar would own multiple major TV network affiliates.—
Meg James,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
Adjective
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More than anything, Bernard’s significant production at the college level should better position him to make an impact with a QB like Rodgers, who expects precision and professionalism.—
Mike DeFabo,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
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The planet no longer has active plate tectonics and only experienced more significant geological activity in its distant past.—
Ryan Brennan,
Miami Herald,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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During a time not unlike the one that ignited the historic founding of Chicano Park, thousands of people turned out Saturday at the iconic gathering space to celebrate their culture, stoke their heritage and press forward in their struggle.—
Jeff McDonald,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
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The game marks the first time an American football game is played in what is typically the home pitch of several of Brazil’s soccer clubs, including Rio’s wildly popular and historic Fluminense and Flamengo teams.—
The Athletic NFL Staff,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Later, Mercury in Aries aligns with Chiron, opening the door for honest conversations that can repair something important.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
1 May 2026
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Sleep stages differ in important ways, Monika Schönauer, a sleep researcher at the University of Freiburg, who wasn’t involved in the study, told me.—
Shayla Love,
New Yorker,
1 May 2026
Adjective
-
The big man, who won the 2016 NBA Championship as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers, previously had his younger sibling under a guardianship, according to TMZ.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
29 Apr. 2026
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The one big missing piece was seeing her team finally capture an elusive state championship.—
Buddy Collings,
The Orlando Sentinel,
29 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tectonic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tectonic. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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