as in major
having great meaning or lasting effect
a tectonic shift in societal trends occurred in the 1960s
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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of tectonic
The area where Thursday’s temblor struck is a complex meeting point of tectonic plates where earthquakes are unpredictable, said Christine Goulet, the director of the Earthquake Science Center.
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Jesus Jiménez, New York Times, 6 Dec. 2024
The reason for all the seismic activity is because that spot is where three different tectonic plates — the North American plate, the Pacific plate and the Juan de Fuca plate — come together.
—NBC News, 5 Dec. 2024
Tectonic Forces and a Giant Plume of Magma As these tectonic plates diverge, fissures in Earth's crust crack open, allowing magma to well up and spew lava onto the surface.
—Tom Yulsman, Discover Magazine, 30 Nov. 2024
The plume is still stretching the crust, but the rifts may be taking advantage of weaknesses left by previous episodes of tectonic grinding.
—Bypaul Voosen, science.org, 7 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for tectonic 
Jesus Jiménez, New York Times, 6 Dec. 2024
The reason for all the seismic activity is because that spot is where three different tectonic plates — the North American plate, the Pacific plate and the Juan de Fuca plate — come together.
—NBC News, 5 Dec. 2024
Tectonic Forces and a Giant Plume of Magma As these tectonic plates diverge, fissures in Earth's crust crack open, allowing magma to well up and spew lava onto the surface.
—Tom Yulsman, Discover Magazine, 30 Nov. 2024
The plume is still stretching the crust, but the rifts may be taking advantage of weaknesses left by previous episodes of tectonic grinding.
—Bypaul Voosen, science.org, 7 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for tectonic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tectonic
Adjective
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Lack of access to abortions during emergencies is threatening some patients’ lives How hospitals handle pregnancy complications, especially those that threaten the lives of the women, has emerged as a major issue since Roe was overturned.Geoff Mulvihill and Kevin S. Vineys, Los Angeles Times, 28 Dec. 2024
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Kaval’s resignation comes after the team cleared its last major hurdles to get a stadium built in Las Vegas, despite the overwhelming opposition of the fanbase.Ryan Canfield, Fox News, 28 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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The acquisition also includes the assumption of over $2 billion in Nordstrom's debt, signaling a significant financial commitment from the buyers.Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024
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Greenland's natural resources include gold, silver, copper and uranium and there's believed to be significant potential for oil in the waters off the territory.Rebecca Falconer, Axios, 24 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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In a historic election in South Africa, the ruling ANC party fails to win a majority for the first time since 1994.The Week UK, theweek, 25 Dec. 2024
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Old North Illuminated operates the church as a historic site.Landon Mion, Fox News, 25 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Another thing that was important in 1979, of course, was the series of murders of Black women.Jazmine Hughes, Them, 20 Dec. 2024
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As always, nothing but the most important journalism from us. Welcome back to The Bootleg.Tyler Palmateer, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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And sure enough, by November 2024 the buck was back on camera and bigger than ever.Bob McNally, Outdoor Life, 20 Dec. 2024
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Christopher Nolan is capping off a big year with another major honor.Brendan Morrow, USA TODAY, 20 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near tectonic
Cite this Entry
“Tectonic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tectonic. Accessed 2 Jan. 2025.
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