Tsunami

/(t)suːˈnɑːmi/ · noun

Meaning

A very large and destructive wave, generally caused by a tremendous disturbance in the ocean, such as an undersea earthquake or volcanic eruption; often a series of waves (a wave train)..

Definitions by Sense

1. A very large and destructive wave, generally caused by a tremendous disturbance in the ocean, such as an undersea earthquake or volcanic eruption; often a series of waves (a wave train).
2. (figurative) A large and generally unstoppable surge.

Example Sentences

A tsunami struck Japan recently.

A wave simulator in the tank can re-enact tsunamis and northeasters, and imitate wave conditions from midocean.

One indispensable and thankless Unesco task is organizing tsunami warnings systems and pushing for tsunami education on risky shores around the world.

It seemed that what started out as a handful of isolated cases gradually turned into a tsunami of complaints.

It set off a tsunami of debate among the more esoteric critics, who either loved it or hated it but could not ignore it.

The next decade would culminate in a tsunami of legislation, civil litigation, and criminal prosecutions in which assisted suicide was both criminalized (as in Michigan) and decriminalized (as in Oregon).

The editor paid a heavy price - he was subsequently compelled to offer a grovelling and humiliating personal apology, following a tsunami of protest.

Sadly, [Anna] Wintour did not control the weather, which was disappointingly inclement. But, no matter, because the event was awash with a “tsunami of love”.

Synonyms for tsunami

Antonyms for tsunami

Related Words

Word Forms

• tsunami
• tsunamis
• sunami

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

Practice and Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions