apocalyptic

adjective

apoc·​a·​lyp·​tic ə-ˌpä-kə-ˈlip-tik How to pronounce apocalyptic (audio)
variants or less commonly apocalyptical
1
: of, relating to, or resembling an apocalypse
apocalyptic events
2
: forecasting the ultimate destiny of the world : prophetic
apocalyptic warnings
3
: foreboding imminent disaster or final doom : terrible
apocalyptic signs of the coming end-times
4
: wildly unrestrained : grandiose
5
: ultimately decisive : climactic
an apocalyptic battle
apocalyptically adverb

Examples of apocalyptic in a Sentence

No one listened to her apocalyptic predictions. a less apocalyptic view of the future the apocalyptic destruction of the world
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Trump’s campaign rhetoric painted the world in apocalyptic terms, portraying himself and his team as hard-nosed realists who understood the danger. Peter D. Feaver, Foreign Affairs, 6 Nov. 2024 Dean Devlin, producer of Independence Day, Godzilla and The Patriot, is used to dealing with stories that are over-the-top and apocalyptic. Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Nov. 2024 In a presidential cycle that has at times been marked by dark and apocalyptic rhetoric, Harris supporters seemed determined to have a party before the final day of voting on Election Day Tuesday. Clara Hendrickson, Detroit Free Press, 5 Nov. 2024 Kate Erickson is a television writer who has written for hour-long shows ranging from historical to apocalyptic, including FEAR THE WALKING DEAD, MR. ROBOT, SEE and HEELS. Katie Campione, Deadline, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for apocalyptic 

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin apocalypticus, derivative of apocalypsis apocalypse, by analogy with pairs such as ellīpsis ellipsis : ellīpticus elliptic

First Known Use

1633, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of apocalyptic was in 1633

Dictionary Entries Near apocalyptic

Cite this Entry

“Apocalyptic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apocalyptic. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on apocalyptic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!