sea change
Americannoun
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a striking change, as in appearance, often for the better.
-
any major transformation or alteration.
-
a transformation brought about by the sea.
noun
Etymology
Origin of sea change
First recorded in 1600–10
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“This is a sea change and people should wake up and realize we’re living in a new world.”
From The Wall Street Journal • May 18, 2026
The results suggested a continued sea change in the way investors are assessing the so-called Magnificent Seven tech giants.
From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026
That is a sea change, and it’s something I haven’t totally wrapped my mind around yet.
From Slate • Apr. 13, 2026
This sea change was a long time coming.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 27, 2026
As the movement escalated, it became clear that a sea change was occurring not just in America but within black America itself.
From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
