1
as in quakes
a shaking of the earth
the San Andreas Fault is notorious for its earthquakes
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in upheavals
a violent disturbance (as of the political or social order)
the election of the socialist candidate caused a political earthquake that nearly led to a military coup
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of earthquakes
It is estimated that there are 500,000 detectable earthquakes in the world each year.
—
Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 10 Feb. 2026
An earpiece was initially proposed strictly for emergencies — earthquakes, sudden weather changes — but Honnold readily agreed to stay connected and converse occasionally with the broadcast team below.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 9 Feb. 2026
One unique characteristic of Michigan earthquakes is their reach.
—Ahmad Bajjey, CBS News, 29 Jan. 2026
That includes against flood, fire and even earthquakes.
—Diana Olick, CNBC, 23 Jan. 2026
As monitoring tools improve, earthquakes may become another variable scientists must consider when mapping how the ocean responds to change.
—New Atlas, 22 Jan. 2026
Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 10 Feb. 2026
An earpiece was initially proposed strictly for emergencies — earthquakes, sudden weather changes — but Honnold readily agreed to stay connected and converse occasionally with the broadcast team below.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 9 Feb. 2026
One unique characteristic of Michigan earthquakes is their reach.
—Ahmad Bajjey, CBS News, 29 Jan. 2026
That includes against flood, fire and even earthquakes.
—Diana Olick, CNBC, 23 Jan. 2026
As monitoring tools improve, earthquakes may become another variable scientists must consider when mapping how the ocean responds to change.
—New Atlas, 22 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for earthquakes
Noun
-
Frost quakes occur when the ground rapidly freezes and expands, creating a loud booming sound and sometimes minor, localized shaking.—
Marina Johnson,
Louisville Courier Journal,
27 Jan. 2026
-
And since the swarm began in November, the mini-quakes have caused no damage or injuries, San Ramon Mayor Mark Armstrong said Monday.—
Paul Rogers,
Mercury News,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
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But land does offer a hedge against inflation, diversification against economic upheavals, and provides a certainty that isn’t available with assets whose value can evaporate in a short time span, like Washington Mutual or Enron.—
Aldo Svaldi,
Denver Post,
1 Feb. 2026
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Last year, the global development sector faced enormous upheavals, with the United States and other donor countries slashing aid budgets even as low-income countries struggled with debt burdens.—
Reem Alabali Radovan,
Fortune,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Her body shuddered in a wave of tremors.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 Feb. 2026
-
But as a result, geopolitical tremors are rippling across Northeast Asia — and as far afield as the US — and there doesn’t appear to be an off-ramp.—
Andy Browne,
semafor.com,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
In its simplest two-magnet form, the motor reaches about 1,300 revolutions per minute (RPM) before gearing.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
15 Feb. 2026
-
But revolutions usually start small.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Earthquakes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/earthquakes. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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