earthshaking
Changing everything fundamentally
Earthshaking describes something of enormous significance or impact—momentous enough to shake the foundations of how things are.
The word is often used ironically or in the negative: The discovery wasn't exactly earthshaking, Nothing earthshaking happened at the meeting.
Genuinely earthshaking events—revolutions, scientific breakthroughs—reshape the world.
Extremely impressive or beautiful
- staggeringShockingly impressive or unsteady
- jaw-droppingExtremely surprising or impressive
- astoundingShockingly impressive
- bombshellShocking sudden revelation
explosive · dramatic · sensational · electrifying · thunderous · reverberating · resounding · shattering
Of lasting significance
- landmarkNotable point of reference
- epoch-makingStarting a new age
- monumentalExceptionally large or significant
- pivotalVitally important, deciding
far-reaching · consequential · groundbreaking · watershed · seminal · defining · milestone · unprecedented
Needing immediate attention
- crucialOf supreme importance
- vitalEssential or sustaining existence
- graveSerious and worrying
- direExtremely serious or urgent
paramount · weighty · profound · significant · serious · pressing · imperative · decisive
Involuntary rhythmic shaking
- quakeSeismic ground trembling
- magnitudeSize or scale
- epicenterPoint above seismic origin
- aftershockSmaller quake following larger
tectonic · fault · seismograph · vibration · rupture · tsunami · subduction · shockwave
stunning
Extremely impressive or beautiful
- staggeringShockingly impressive or unsteady
- jaw-droppingExtremely surprising or impressive
- astoundingShockingly impressive
bombshell · explosive · dramatic · sensational · electrifying · thunderous · reverberating · resounding · shattering · rocking
historic
Of lasting significance
- landmarkNotable point of reference
- epoch-makingStarting a new age
- monumentalExceptionally large or significant
pivotal · far-reaching · consequential · groundbreaking · watershed · seminal · defining · milestone · unprecedented · unforgettable
urgent
Needing immediate attention
dire · paramount · weighty · profound · significant · serious · pressing · imperative · decisive · fundamental
tremor
Involuntary rhythmic shaking
aftershock · tectonic · fault · seismograph · vibration · rupture · tsunami · subduction · shockwave · geology
earthshakingtrivial
Lacking significance or weight
insignificant · inconsequential · unimportant · minor · negligible
earthshakingunremarkable
Not worthy of comment
unnoticed · obscure · unknown · anonymous · uncelebrated