Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

shatter

[shat-er] / ˈʃæt ər /
VERB
break into small pieces
Synonyms
STRONGEST
blast burst crack crush dash demolish destroy disable exhaust explode fracture impair ruin smash smash up snap splinter split wreck
STRONG
blight crash crunch fragment fragmentize implode overturn pulverize rend rive scrunch shiver smatter torpedo total
WEAK
fragmentalize smash to smithereens splinterize wrack up
Antonyms
STRONGEST
aid assist build combine compliment construct create encourage fix help improve inspirit lose mend praise repair restore
VERB
hurt someone badly
Synonyms
STRONGEST
crush destroy devastate rattle ruin
STRONG
dumbfound upset
WEAK
break a heart
Antonyms
STRONGEST
build construct create improve
WEAK
aid assist fix help mend

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.

The hostilities “threatened to shatter the ‘no-war-no-peace’ situation,” that has existed since the end of the Tigray war, Oxford Analytica’s senior Africa analyst Matt Ward said in February.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

Several explosions from exploding oxygen canisters within the ambulances caused windows of nearby buildings, including the synagogue to crack or shatter - however no injuries were reported.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

Time and again, Garbus and her experts’ perspectives responsibly remind us that we’re watching a father shatter the bonds between his children.

From Salon • Mar. 14, 2026

So AI knows how not to shatter a child’s imagination.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 9, 2026

Ms. Faraci regarded me like she was afraid I was going to shatter to pieces in front of her.

From "We Are the Ants" by Shaun David Hutchinson

Vocabulary lists containing shatter

Lesson 11

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Towers Falling

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Blasted to Smithereens: Synonyms for "Break"

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!