as in major
having great meaning or lasting effect
a tectonic shift in societal trends occurred in the 1960s
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of tectonic
When neighboring tectonic plates continue their slow-motion collision, sometimes one subducts, or slides underneath the other, often leaving geological remnants behind.
—
Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 21 Jan. 2025
This massive continent began to break apart due to tectonic activity about 175 million years ago.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 23 Jan. 2025
Over time, tectonic activity caused the ocean to shrink as the African and Eurasian plates moved closer together, becoming the Mediterranean.
—Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
These calculations have always led to tectonic boundaries, where one plate subducts.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 21 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for tectonic 
Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 21 Jan. 2025
This massive continent began to break apart due to tectonic activity about 175 million years ago.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 23 Jan. 2025
Over time, tectonic activity caused the ocean to shrink as the African and Eurasian plates moved closer together, becoming the Mediterranean.
—Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
These calculations have always led to tectonic boundaries, where one plate subducts.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 21 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for tectonic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tectonic
Adjective
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Rocky Top reality check: UConn women’s loss to Tennessee exposes major flaws in the Huskies’ game Rocky Top reality check: UConn women's loss to Tennessee exposes major flaws in the Huskies' game A national brand is opening its first shop in CT.—
Lori Riley,
Hartford Courant,
8 Feb. 2025
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But there was one major difference between the two groups, the official noted: While the Kenyans were anxious for their livelihoods, the Americans were worried about their country.—
Declan Walsh,
New York Times,
8 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The addition of about 500 new jobs will have a significant impact on the area’s employment and economic landscapes, Sada said, noting that the chamber doesn’t anticipate these positions to be highly specialized roles.—
Shawn Raymundo,
The Arizona Republic,
16 Feb. 2025
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Along with the cold will come the chance for a significant snowstorm, one that could eventually bring blizzard conditions to parts of the East Coast.—
Doyle Rice,
USA TODAY,
16 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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One factor that has been holding back the cash rate’s descent has been the strength of the labor market, with unemployment rate hovering near a historic low level of 4.0% in December.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
18 Feb. 2025
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In the film, Plant recounts that day of personal triumph while keeping his band’s award in perspective with the historic events that had most of the world’s attention.—
Steve Appleford,
SPIN,
17 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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To improve brain function and sharpen your focus Magnesium plays an important role in relaying signals between your brain and body.—
Fiona Embleton,
Glamour,
11 Feb. 2025
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That reading trend line raises important questions about how quickly states can expect to see improvement after many passed laws to improve literacy instruction.—
Cory Turner,
NPR,
11 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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There is precedent for admitting a big land mass with a tiny population as a state.—
Steve Forbes,
Forbes,
11 Feb. 2025
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The author had started with fantasy, then moved into paranormal, and then contemporary dark romance — all with the express purpose of laying the groundwork for her eventual big hit.—
CT Jones,
Rolling Stone,
11 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near tectonic
Cite this Entry
“Tectonic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tectonic. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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