1
as in flood
a great flow of water or of something that overwhelms
an ancient cataclysm that may have been the basis for the Flood described in the Bible
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in catastrophe
a sudden violent event that brings about great loss or destruction
the earthquake that struck Lisbon in 1755, killing 30,000 people, was one of the greatest cataclysms ever recorded
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3
as in upheaval
a violent disturbance (as of the political or social order)
a social cataclysm that gave rise to a new world order
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Recent Examples of cataclysm
The latter are ripples in the literal fabric of spacetime itself, created by cosmic cataclysms like black holes colliding.
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Michael Irving, New Atlas, 8 Sep. 2024
According to an analysis of FEMA data, some twenty million Americans are actively preparing for cataclysm—roughly twice as many as in 2017.
—Charles Bethea, The New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2024
Because the amount of detonating material is roughly the same for every type Ia supernova, these cosmic cataclysms all shine with a similar brightness and can be seen far beyond their host galaxy.
—Tom Metcalfe, Scientific American, 31 Oct. 2024
Now, however, a team of geologists suggests the cataclysm provided a surprising boost for early forms of life.
—Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for cataclysm 
Michael Irving, New Atlas, 8 Sep. 2024
According to an analysis of FEMA data, some twenty million Americans are actively preparing for cataclysm—roughly twice as many as in 2017.
—Charles Bethea, The New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2024
Because the amount of detonating material is roughly the same for every type Ia supernova, these cosmic cataclysms all shine with a similar brightness and can be seen far beyond their host galaxy.
—Tom Metcalfe, Scientific American, 31 Oct. 2024
Now, however, a team of geologists suggests the cataclysm provided a surprising boost for early forms of life.
—Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for cataclysm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cataclysm
Noun
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Florida plans to launch a program that will help homeowners in risk zones elevate their homes above flood levels.Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024
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For example, climate-resilient infrastructure projects - e.g. building flood defenses, upgrading transportation systems, and retrofitting buildings - are driving demand for construction experts, urban designers and environmental consultants, among many other roles.Jamil Wyne, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Leaders grappling with technological upheaval, political change, economic uncertainty, and shifting societal norms may be tempted to seek novel solutions.Gena Cox, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
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It shouldn't just be reserved for stunts and for emotional upheavals.EW.com, EW.com, 20 Dec. 2024
Noun
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His death unleashed a torrent of anger on social media against the U.S. health system, and insurance companies specifically.Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 15 Dec. 2024
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His revenge plot involved unleashing an absolute torrent of demented online harassment Dutschke's way.Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 13 Dec. 2024
Noun
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As climate shocks get worse, insurance companies are increasingly dropping homeowners facing risks of hurricanes, wildfires and other disasters.Mira Rojanasakul, New York Times, 18 Dec. 2024
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Developing Highly Detailed Maps Geospatial mapping technology could be better leveraged in disasters.Expert Panel®, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
Noun
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To be part of that revolution was really fascinating.Richard Sutcliffe, The Athletic, 26 Dec. 2024
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Their romance caused something of a revolution in those days, being dubbed Bennifer.Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 26 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Didn’t Die / U.S.A. (Director, Screenwriter, and Producer: Meera Menon, Screenwriter and Producer: Paul Gleason, Producers: Erica Fishman, Joe Camerota, Luke Patton) –– A podcast host desperately clings to an ever-shrinking audience in the zombie apocalypse.Mia Galuppo, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Dec. 2024
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The series promises to blend action, romance and comedy elements within its zombie apocalypse framework.Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 11 Dec. 2024
Noun
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An initial tsunami warning was called off within two hours of the earthquake.Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024
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Additional information collected about the earthquake may also prompt U.S.G.S. scientists to update the shake-severity map.William B. Davis, New York Times, 17 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Magdeburg marked the tragedy Saturday with the tolling church bells at 7:04 p.m., the exact time of the attack in the city of roughly 240,000 people.Kirsten Grieshaber, Los Angeles Times, 21 Dec. 2024
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Remus said the family is leaning into God to cope with the tragedy — along with being OK with laughter when remembering happy or funny moments.Erik S. Hanley, Journal Sentinel, 21 Dec. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Cataclysm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cataclysm. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.
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