1
as in to destroy
to bring to a complete end the physical soundness, existence, or usefulness of
tried to restore their shattered hopes
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to smash
to cause to break open or into pieces by or as if by an explosive
shattered the sealed clay pot to find out what was inside
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to demolish
to cause to break with violence and much noise
shattered the priceless vase in one clumsy fall
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in splinter
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of shatter
Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 12 June 2025
The leading hemispheres of these two moons were darker and redder than their trailing hemispheres, shattering previous assumptions.
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 11 June 2025
Christina Goldbaum, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
Here’s what to do when faced with the shatter heard around the world.
—Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shatter
Verb
Brian promised this magnum opus would top his ultimate rivals, the Beatles; he was shattered when the Fabs beat him into stores with Sgt. Pepper.
—Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 12 June 2025
The leading hemispheres of these two moons were darker and redder than their trailing hemispheres, shattering previous assumptions.
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 11 June 2025
Noun
The family heard plates and glasses shatter — and then boots stomping up the stairs.
—Christina Goldbaum, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
Here’s what to do when faced with the shatter heard around the world.
—Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shatter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shatter
Verb
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Aid distributed inside Israeli military zones Gaza’s roughly 2 million Palestinians are almost completely reliant on international aid because nearly all food production capabilities have been destroyed.—
Wafaa Shurafa,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2025
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The first move for a mistrial from Combs’ legal team occurred at the end of May, after prosecutors asked Los Angeles Fire Department arson investigator Lance Jimenez if fingerprint evidence related to the bombing of Kid Cudi's car had been destroyed.—
Toria Sheffield,
People.com,
8 June 2025
Verb
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Two weeks ago, vandals threw bricks through the front office window, smashing a few items inside.—
Rachel Uranga,
Los Angeles Times,
12 June 2025
-
Summer McIntosh’s super summer The Canadian swimming phenom made history for the second time in three days by smashing a decade-old record in the 200m individual medley.—
Jade Walker,
CNN Money,
11 June 2025
Noun
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At the same time, the new Syrian government has reportedly cracked down on several Palestinian factions involved in the war in Gaza, including Palestinian Islamic Jihad and another PFLP splinter, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine - General Command.—
Tom O'Connor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 June 2025
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While splinters were already forming, a trio of Grammy nominations nevertheless followed - with Potter left to ponder what could’ve/should’ve been.—
Jim Ryan,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
Verb
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However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.—
Sara Schilling,
Miami Herald,
13 June 2025
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The front nine, which has ruined more than a handful of U.S. Open rounds over the last two days, proved to be much tougher.—
Troy Finnegan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 June 2025
Verb
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In 2012, Texas Wesleyan went to the city’s historic and cultural landmarks commission seeking permission to demolish the home for further campus expansion, but were denied.—
Brayden Garcia,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
6 June 2025
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Goldschmidt has demolished the NL Central in his career, with a slash line of .291/.388/.527 in almost 550 games played.—
Andrew Wright,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 June 2025
Noun
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That plume included ash, volcanic rock and volcanic glass shards known as Pele's hair.—
Kerry Breen,
CBS News,
26 May 2025
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Neolithic masons filled the gaps between individual stones with shards of greywacke, a type of sandstone that also lined the chamber floor.—
Eli Wizevich,
Smithsonian Magazine,
22 May 2025
Verb
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Chimney Rock State Park is set to reopen exactly nine months after being devastated by Hurricane Helene.—
Meghan Overdeep,
Southern Living,
6 June 2025
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The group warns that the ban on hemp products with THC would devastate legal businesses and drive demand toward the unregulated black market.—
Dario Sabaghi,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
Verb
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Dort may not have picked up a foul on this particular play, part of a special second-half suffocation of Haliburton, but there are other moments like this when an official blows the whistle.—
Fred Katz,
New York Times,
16 June 2025
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Try to find a place that will block blowing or falling debris.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
16 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shatter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shatter. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.
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