1
: of, subject to, or caused by an earthquake
also
: of or relating to an earth vibration caused by something else (such as an explosion or the impact of a meteorite)
2
: of or relating to a vibration on a celestial body (such as the moon) comparable to a seismic event on earth
3
: having a strong or widespread impact : earthshaking
seismic social changes
Examples of seismic in a Sentence
Seismic social changes have occurred.
Recent Examples on the Web
On Thursday, in a seismic change, the NCAA and college conferences agreed to start paying college athletes directly.
—
Ira Porter, The Christian Science Monitor, 24 May 2024
That’s because the entire six-story interior was rebuilt from scratch during a seismic overhaul that unfolded methodically over six years.
—Brad Japhe, Travel + Leisure, 22 May 2024
The case then goes to the jury, and its decision could have a seismic effect on the 2024 race between Trump and incumbent President Joe Biden.
—David Jackson, USA TODAY, 19 May 2024
Most attribute that to the seismic, divisive issues the league has had to face in recent years, ranging from the coronavirus pandemic to a number of breakaway proposals and the spate of financial cases.
—Tariq Panja, New York Times, 17 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for seismic 
Ira Porter, The Christian Science Monitor, 24 May 2024
That’s because the entire six-story interior was rebuilt from scratch during a seismic overhaul that unfolded methodically over six years.
—Brad Japhe, Travel + Leisure, 22 May 2024
The case then goes to the jury, and its decision could have a seismic effect on the 2024 race between Trump and incumbent President Joe Biden.
—David Jackson, USA TODAY, 19 May 2024
Most attribute that to the seismic, divisive issues the league has had to face in recent years, ranging from the coronavirus pandemic to a number of breakaway proposals and the spate of financial cases.
—Tariq Panja, New York Times, 17 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for seismic
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'seismic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near seismic
Cite this Entry
“Seismic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/seismic. Accessed 6 Jun. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
seismic
adjective
seis·mic
ˈsīz-mik 
ˈsīs-
: of, subject to, or caused by an earthquake or an earth vibration caused by something else (as an explosion)
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