seismic

[sahyz-mik, sahys-] / ˈsaɪz mɪk, ˈsaɪs- /

ADJECTIVE

pertaining to an earthquake or event within the earth's crust

Synonyms

STRONGEST

basaltic tectonic

STRONG

quaky quivering tremorous tremulous vibrational

WEAK

earthshattering groundbreaking profound tumultuous

Antonyms

STRONGEST

ethereal insubstantial subtle vaporous

STRONG

constant fixed motionless placid solid unchanging

WEAK

frivolous inconsequential insignificant superficial trivial

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Goodspeed travels back to the 18th century to downturns in the U.S. and the United Kingdom to explain why the common narrative that one seismic shock will flip an economy on its head is wrong.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

After the 6.7 Northridge earthquake in 1994, seismic retrofitting became a rule for many buildings, not an option.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

That meant that a No. 9 knocking off a No. 1 late on Sunday qualified as a seismic shock—to everyone except the coach who drew up the winning play.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

The Premier League's chaos clubs meet on Sunday as Tottenham Hotspur host Nottingham Forest in what could be a seismic moment in the survival battle.

From BBC • Mar. 21, 2026

I haven’t cured anything, but something seismic is happening in me.

From "It’s Kind of a Funny Story" by Ned Vizzini