shatter 1 of 2

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 2

noun

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
Beyond the financial loss, the experience shattered their hope for the future. Alex Vakulov, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025 As the two vehicles collided, there was a loud boom; their windshields shattered, and the scene was engulfed in smoke. Stephania Taladrid, The New Yorker, 27 Feb. 2025
Noun
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 Just as the timer runs out, the windows on the house shatter and the oven door clangs open. Katie Campione, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2024 See All Example Sentences for shatter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shatter
Verb
  • Lost in a sea of ash: When wildfire destroys a home — and a loved one’s urn — the search begins.
    Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2025
  • This is a major U-turn from Riot, after completely revamping the rewards system at the start of the year and being destroyed by fans for it.
    Mike Stubbs, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • And being choked at the age of 80 while your face is being smashed into the ground?
    Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Her shop’s front glass door was smashed and her point of sale system, electronics and some merchandise were taken.
    Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 5 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Raw edges add to the appeal but may cause splinters when handling.
    BestReviews, The Mercury News, 4 Feb. 2025
  • Be sure to include tweezers for removing splinters or ticks, gauze for bleeding, antibiotic ointment, blister treatment, children’s pain reliever and antihistamine, antiseptic wipes, and lots of bandages.
    Elisabeth Kwak-Hefferan, Outside Online, 27 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • During the 2020 election campaign, Trump said the AFFH rule would ruin the suburbs by forcing more affordable housing.
    Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Alli Jo adds that the kids left school to appear on the date with Grant and the ladies, so Zoe ruined their day, too.
    Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 11 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Many have long since been demolished or altered beyond recognition, but some of the most beautiful have miraculously kept their original structures and decoration intact.
    The New York Times, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Some residential buildings have been demolished; a hole is punched into the side of a mosque; chunks of broken concrete now bare the inside of someone’s home to the outside world.
    Jeremy Diamond, CNN, 28 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Work carefully: Start by removing larger pieces, then vacuum or sweep up small shards.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 27 Feb. 2025
  • During an impassioned monologue about pharmaceutical industry subsidies, Stewart slammed a coffee mug down on his desk and shattered it, still holding several shards in his palm amid the wreckage.
    Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 25 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Without an effective treatment, the disease could devastate her harvest, leaving her unable to repay her loans or provide for her family.
    Daphne Ewing-Chow, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
  • On this week's episode of The Baldwins, Hilaria shared that when Alec was first tried for involuntary manslaughter in the Rust case, their 11-year-old daughter Carmen was devastated.
    Hannah Sacks, People.com, 3 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Limit hot tool use: Take a break from hot curling irons, straighteners, and blow dryers.
    Carley Millhone, Health, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Keep windows and doors closed to avoid pollen being blown into your home.
    Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 12 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shatter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shatter. Accessed 15 Mar. 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!