shatter 1 of 2

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

2 of 2

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
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
Noun
The crowd laughing at the pair attempting to have a private conversation shattered the barrier between performers and audience. Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 The Korean survival drama’s latest season shattered Netflix records with over 60 million views in three days and became the first show to rank No. 1 in all 93 countries where Netflix maintains Top 10 lists during its debut week. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for shatter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shatter
Verb
  • Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim wildfire: National Park Service says only hotel destroyed The Grand Canyon Lodge was the park's only hotel, according the National Park Service, with the next nearest lodgings roughly 18 miles away.
    John Tufts, IndyStar, 14 July 2025
  • The lawsuit alleges that Merit Street’s business partner, Trinity Broadcasting of Fort Worth, destroyed its television network and forced the bankruptcy declaration.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • The other oar was smashed off, and the raft was littered up with leaves and branches and dirt.
    John Nogowski, Hartford Courant, 6 July 2025
  • Odie's menu includes smash burgers and signature drinks inspired by band members.
    Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
Noun
  • There were a few blowdowns and freshly busted logs, their splinters cast across the trail like confetti.
    Grayson Haver Currin, Outside Online, 20 June 2025
  • Fragmentation splinters data, so even simple tasks drag.
    Miguel Kudry, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.
    Olivia Lloyd July 9, Miami Herald, 9 July 2025
  • Sophisticated travelers can savor world-class dining, from rich Hakata ramen to the most delicious gyoza, or explore modern art, castle ruins, and shops run by local artisans.
    Mark Lakin, Travel + Leisure, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • It was held at Isaza’s grandparents’ house, which was about to be demolished.
    Sigal Ratner-Arias, Billboard, 10 July 2025
  • An existing, 38,000-square-foot building on the site will be demolished in that development.
    Corina Vanek, AZCentral.com, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • Any line, any poem, can only be made of shards and grains.
    Cindy Juyoung Ok June 26, Literary Hub, 26 June 2025
  • Pure Heroine is so effective, and why Melodrama can feel at once like walking across shards of glass and experiencing an euphoric release.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 5 June 2025
Verb
  • Hill Country was devastated by flash flooding on July 4 after torrential downpours caused the Guadalupe River to rise to near 30 feet.
    Abigail Adams, People.com, 14 July 2025
  • John Tufts The Grand Canyon North Rim, including the historic Grand Canyon Lodge, has been devastated by the Dragon Bravo wildfire.
    John Tufts, IndyStar, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Some of the clips have also already begun to go viral including one of Chase’s gazelle-like movement and another of Hill blowing by Smith-Njigba in coverage.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 10 July 2025
  • Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 10 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Shatter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shatter. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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