sea change

American  

noun

1. a striking change, as in appearance, often for the better.

2. any major transformation or alteration.

3. a transformation brought about by the sea.

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sea change British  

noun

1. a seemingly magical change, as brought about by the action of the sea

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Etymology

Origin of sea change

First recorded in 1600–10

Example Sentences

The enthusiastic assessments of both men, which have been echoed by Trump, reflect the sea change in relations between Washington and Caracas since the capture of Maduro.

From Barron's • Mar. 4, 2026

Indeed, Powell’s Sunday night statement on the DOJ probe was a sea change for the Fed chair.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 16, 2026

The Inspector General’s Office is now expected to undergo a sea change with the retirement of the only leader it has ever had.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 9, 2025

Yacht owners and enthusiasts say that Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite-internet service has created a sea change in the world of WFY, enabling executives to join virtual meetings from any of the world’s oceans.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 7, 2025

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