shatter 1 of 2

Definition of shatternext
1
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

shatter

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noun

Example Sentences

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 shatter
Verb
Darnold didn’t shatter the modern-day myth of the game manager or system quarterback. Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 10 Feb. 2026 Damas shattered the school scoring record, erupting for an eye-popping 50 points while adding 18 rebounds to complete a tremendous double-double as Mystic Valley pulled away for a 91-60 victory over Notre Dame (Tyngsboro) in a nonleague tilt. Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
They're also made with shatter-resistant glass and nest together to save valuable cabinet space. Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 28 Nov. 2025 But that didn’t stop me from enjoying the chicken, whose shatter-crisp texture and pungent yet sweet flavor could overcome any dose of novocaine. Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 21 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shatter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shatter
Verb
  • More than 12,000 scrolls were once stored inside this second-century center of learning before a fire destroyed them in 262 CE.
    Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Feeling bored, resentful and trapped by domestic life, Hedda hatches a plan to destroy her husband’s potential career rival, Eilert Lovberg, who happens to be her ex-lover.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The cars, about 20 of them, had their windows smashed and looked as though they were made in the 1940s or 1950s.
    Kathleen Hill, The Providence Journal, 7 Feb. 2026
  • The bike then smashes into a metal barricade before coming to rest against a parked car.
    Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 7 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Jeff Clanagan painted a picture of a landscape in which movie stardom is no longer protected by traditional channels, as attention splinters across platforms and audiences fragment.
    Josh Rottenberg, Twin Cities, 31 Dec. 2025
  • The paper also prevents wear and tear on the wood surface and keeps small splinters from snagging delicate clothing.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 25 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • Romero’s red card for a foul on Casemiro in the 29th minute of Tottenham’s defeat to Manchester United on Saturday ruined Frank’s game plan.
    Jay Harris, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2026
  • Applying baking soda to some surfaces or materials could ruin it, scratch it or lose its shine, according to the pros.
    Lauren David, Southern Living, 7 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The former Portage Township Schools Administration building will be the first to be demolished this spring when workers begin preparing to build the new Aylesworth Middle School.
    Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026
  • The village is demolishing homes to make way for the redevelopment and will relocate residents elsewhere on campus, Timberlake said.
    Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • After placing a clay shard over the drainage hole in each pot, Ryan fills them with the soil mix, adding enough to reach just below the top rim of the pot.
    Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Images in the aftermath of the attack showed bodies covered in blood lying on the floor of the mosque surrounded by shards of glass and debris.
    Sophia Saifi, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The synthetic opioid is far more potent than heroin and has devastated communities across the country.
    Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 6 Feb. 2026
  • In Kristin Dwyer's In Time With You (out March 3 from Wednesday Books), that's the conundrum facing Nieve Monroe, who's devastated after her boyfriend Carter dies saving her from drowning.
    Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 4 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • There was a short pursuit on the freeway, which ended when a tire blew on the SUV.
    Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Taubitz remains the one to beat, but after her teammate faltered on her third run, the medal competition was blown open.
    Sean Nevin, NBC news, 10 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Shatter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shatter. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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