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 Last of Us Part II was a different beast than its predecessor, with a more sprawling story told from different perspectives — and its own tectonic narrative shifts from the first entry that stirred controversy among audiences.
—
Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 5 May 2025
At the time, the match felt like the sort of tectonic shift that had impacted the first leg, a resounding vindication for Mourinho’s pragmatism over Guardiola’s idealism.
—Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
Transformative Mega Trends: From the pandemic to the rise of the gig economy, from sustainability imperatives to demographic shifts—these are tectonic forces.
—Janesh Janardhanan, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Then, around 500 million years ago, tectonic forces started bringing fragments of other landmasses toward the future eastern North America.
—Alexandra Witze, JSTOR Daily, 24 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tectonic
Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 5 May 2025
At the time, the match felt like the sort of tectonic shift that had impacted the first leg, a resounding vindication for Mourinho’s pragmatism over Guardiola’s idealism.
—Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
Transformative Mega Trends: From the pandemic to the rise of the gig economy, from sustainability imperatives to demographic shifts—these are tectonic forces.
—Janesh Janardhanan, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Then, around 500 million years ago, tectonic forces started bringing fragments of other landmasses toward the future eastern North America.
—Alexandra Witze, JSTOR Daily, 24 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tectonic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tectonic
Adjective
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According to a 2025 report from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, roughly 21% of consumers with a credit record were using a buy now, pay later plan from one of six major firms in 2022.—
Melina Khan,
USA Today,
16 May 2025
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The three-time major champion, lacking only the Wanamaker Trophy for his major collection, ran off three straight bogeys early on the back nine and shot 76.—
Doug Ferguson,
Chicago Tribune,
16 May 2025
Adjective
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The construction is intended to stymie the spread of invasive carp, which could pose a significant threat to the Great Lakes region’s native species, ecosystems and billion-dollar fishing and boating industries.—
Olivia Olander,
Chicago Tribune,
10 May 2025
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Brandon Bussi, Providence: The backup came on to replace starter Michael DiPietro just over 2 minutes into Friday’s game after DiPietro sustained what appeared to be a significant left leg injury and was assisted from the ice.—
Richard Walker,
Charlotte Observer,
10 May 2025
Adjective
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Photo of the day: Chicagoans pack pews to celebrate South Side pope Rome, the ancient city and historic home of the Catholic Church, felt close to the South Side on Sunday as Chicagoans were still grasping the reality that a son of the neighborhood had become pope, the first American ever.—
Jane Onyanga-Omara,
USA Today,
13 May 2025
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That deal was hailed as historic, as the cap increased by a whooping 30%.—
Eric Jackson,
Sportico.com,
12 May 2025
Adjective
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That’s another important component of the foreclosures First Street tracked: areas where home prices are rising tend to avoid falling into distress.—
Andrea Riquier,
USA Today,
20 May 2025
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Marcella Hazan was an important figure in her day, her recipes always worked and many Americans learned much from her.—
John Mariani,
Forbes.com,
19 May 2025
Adjective
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Crow-Armstrong had a big series against the Sox and seems to enjoy being a villain in the eyes of Sox fans for his chest-thumping, arm-waving celebrations.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
19 May 2025
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This is especially important as Williams has already stopped development of its 2025 car given the big rule changes coming next year.—
Luke Smith,
New York Times,
18 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tectonic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tectonic. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
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