Synonyms for

Earthquake

Verb / ˈɜ:ˌθkweɪk / Another word for earthquake — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

A sudden shaking of the ground caused by the movement of rock beneath its surface.

Synonyms & similar words

seism quake temblor tremor convulsion quake shock temblor trembler earthdin heaving jolt quaker quivering shaking vibration

Synonyms by register

Formal

seismic activity tremor tectonic shift

Informal

quake shaker ground shake

Literary

earth-shudder terrestrial convulsion

Antonyms

calm stillness peace stability tranquility serenity

Common collocations

  • major earthquake
  • earthquake damage
  • earthquake warning
  • earthquake preparedness
  • earthquake zone
  • earthquake resistant
  • earthquake fault

Word family

noun earthquake
verb quake
adjective seismic

Usage note

While 'quake' can be used as a verb, 'earthquake' is primarily a noun. Be mindful of the intensity when describing an earthquake; 'tremor' often implies a less severe event.

Example sentences

  1. The earthquake was felt across the entire city.
  2. The earthquake caused a lot of damage to the buildings.
  3. We learned about earthquakes in our science class.
  4. I felt an earthquake for the first time when I visited California.
  5. The earthquake lasted for several minutes.

Quotes

  • An earthquake achieves what the law promises but does not in practice maintain, the equality of all men. - Ignazio Silone
  • The earthquake is not the end; it is only the beginning. - Hal Lindsey
  • Earthquakes are one of the risks of living in California. - Gavin Newsom

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