TECTONIC Synonyms: 74 Similar and Opposite Words

tectonic

adjective

tek-ˈtä-nik

Definition of tectonic

as in major

having great meaning or lasting effect a tectonic shift in societal trends occurred in the 1960s

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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 tectonic Scientists have previously linked this missing rock record to several processes, including tectonic activity associated with supercontinent cycles and ancient glaciation. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 21 Aug. 2026 According to most people who work in that world, few Americans are ready for the tectonic shifts that are coming over the next decade. — Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 17 Aug. 2026 The earthquake shares a broader tectonic context with the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24, Pérez said, although there are important differences. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 11 Aug. 2026 Researchers estimated that key sections of the fault in Southern California are at their highest level of tectonic strain in the last 1,000 years. — Rong-Gong Lin Ii Los Angeles Times, Arkansas Online, 2 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tectonic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tectonic

Adjective

The whipsawing legal battle could have major ramifications for the midterms.

— Lindsay Whitehurst, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
Businesses considering major investments pay close attention to regulatory risk.

— Robin Rossenfeld, Denver Post, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of major

Adjective

Claiming the 29-year-old Robert would require a more significant financial commitment than Sewald.

— Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
The advanced weapon features AV’s 20kW-class LOCUST LWS integrated on the General Motors Defense Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) platform–a significant advancement in mobile, frontline C-UAS capabilities.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of significant

Adjective

The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in the Hague on Monday ruled in Pakistan's favor over the 1960 Indus Water Treaty, saying the historic pact remains fully binding and that India had no valid grounds for ending or suspending it.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026
This design is directly inspired by a historic Leroy tact watch created in 1810, today preserved at the Patek Philippe Museum.

— Carol Besler, Robb Report, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of historic

Adjective

That has changed quietly, with robots now performing important roles in operating rooms, hospital wards, rehabilitation centers, and corridors around the world.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
Reseeding is particularly important in high-traffic areas or patches of the lawn where grubs, heat, or disease have left the turf thin.

— Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of important

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technophobes

tectonic

tedious

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“Tectonic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tectonic. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of tectonic

adjective

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