variants
or cataclysmic
1
as in disastrous
bringing about ruin or misfortune
a cataclysmal decision to plunge the nation into war
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in devastating
causing or tending to cause destruction
a cataclysmal landslide that virtually wiped out the village
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in turbulent
marked by sudden or violent disturbance
the French Revolution was one of the great cataclysmal events in modern history
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of cataclysmal
Gamma rays are the most energetic type of light rays, typically marking the last gasp of a dying star or the cataclysmic clap of two neutron stars.
—
Quanta Magazine, 6 May 2026
Everyone experiences moments of existential despair, when one bad day or cataclysmic event sends you into a headspace that’s some combination of panic and self-reflection.
—Scott Tobias, Vulture, 3 May 2026
So cataclysmic was their breakup that in all that time, Sam has never once listened to Mother Mary’s music.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 14 Apr. 2026
The pink cloud at the center of the shot is the Homunculus Nebula, a vast glowing structure of interstellar dust and gas 7,500 light-years from Earth, according to NASA, created in the wake of a cataclysmic eruption of the double star system Eta Carinae.
—Anthony Wood, Space.com, 8 Apr. 2026
Iran has pledged to retaliate against such facilities in Israel, meaning the entire Middle East may be on the brink of cataclysmic doom — with or without the terrifying prospect of nuclear strikes.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 3 Apr. 2026
Early-season injuries and off-ice drama have clearly played a role in how this turned out, and Foote wouldn’t be the first NHL bench boss to have a cataclysmic first season and then improve significantly thereafter (see Jared Bednar).
—Thomas Drance, New York Times, 1 Apr. 2026
In its many guises, idolatry has survived, despite regular and often cataclysmic proof of its dangers, for centuries and many people will consider a much-larger-than-life golden statue of a president to be perfectly splendid.
—Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026
The lush biodiversity of South America's rainforests is rooted in one of the most cataclysmic events that ever struck Earth.
—Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026
Quanta Magazine, 6 May 2026
Everyone experiences moments of existential despair, when one bad day or cataclysmic event sends you into a headspace that’s some combination of panic and self-reflection.
—Scott Tobias, Vulture, 3 May 2026
So cataclysmic was their breakup that in all that time, Sam has never once listened to Mother Mary’s music.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 14 Apr. 2026
The pink cloud at the center of the shot is the Homunculus Nebula, a vast glowing structure of interstellar dust and gas 7,500 light-years from Earth, according to NASA, created in the wake of a cataclysmic eruption of the double star system Eta Carinae.
—Anthony Wood, Space.com, 8 Apr. 2026
Iran has pledged to retaliate against such facilities in Israel, meaning the entire Middle East may be on the brink of cataclysmic doom — with or without the terrifying prospect of nuclear strikes.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 3 Apr. 2026
Early-season injuries and off-ice drama have clearly played a role in how this turned out, and Foote wouldn’t be the first NHL bench boss to have a cataclysmic first season and then improve significantly thereafter (see Jared Bednar).
—Thomas Drance, New York Times, 1 Apr. 2026
In its many guises, idolatry has survived, despite regular and often cataclysmic proof of its dangers, for centuries and many people will consider a much-larger-than-life golden statue of a president to be perfectly splendid.
—Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026
The lush biodiversity of South America's rainforests is rooted in one of the most cataclysmic events that ever struck Earth.
—Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cataclysmal
Adjective
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After enduring nearly 10 months with the heartache of disastrous flooding that killed 28 people at the camp – 25 campers, two counselors and the camp’s director, Dick Eastland – days of hearings resulted in an unexpected decision by Camp Mystic’s leaders.—
Andy Rose,
CNN Money,
3 May 2026
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His portrayal of best-selling thriller writer Greg Russo — adrift in a New England college after a disastrous campus speaking engagement — lands in that sweet spot between comedy and drama that has increasingly defined the modern Emmy landscape.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
2 May 2026
Adjective
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The virus that is believed to be responsible for the deaths of three people and the illnesses of three others aboard a cruise ship over the weekend is a relatively rare but devastating threat without a vaccine, treatment or cure.—
Evan Bush,
NBC news,
4 May 2026
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What happened this week is nothing less than a massive and devastating blow, not only to our democracy, but particularly to people of color in the South.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
4 May 2026
Adjective
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From the transformative power of novels to raising a Black son in a turbulent era, Ward offers a deeply moving testament to resilience, storytelling, and the enduring beauty of life.—
Kait Hanson,
Southern Living,
2 May 2026
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Much like the rest of what’s already been a turbulent season, Orlando has made this playoff series as difficult as possible.—
Jason Beede,
The Orlando Sentinel,
2 May 2026
Adjective
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Homicide detectives are investigating the fatal shootings of three adults in Baldwin Park last week — two of whom were a married couple, officials said, who were being mourned by their college-age children.—
Karen Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2026
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Police have arrested a man on murder and firearm charges in connection with a fatal shooting in Stratford earlier this month.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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But, yeah, that would be unfortunate.—
Ricky Sayer,
CBS News,
2 May 2026
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In this unfortunate category, Amazon’s new feature for generating mini-podcast segments that shill for products on its shopping platform really takes the cake.—
Frank Landymore,
Futurism,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The 28-year-old pleaded guilty to possessing the destructive device, which contained flammable ethanol and a wick designed to ignite when lighted.—
Ruben Vives,
Los Angeles Times,
7 May 2026
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Just wish-casting a world to exist that doesn’t, which is very destructive.—
Lacey Rose,
HollywoodReporter,
6 May 2026
Adjective
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Artists and arts organizations have derided Gloria’s cuts, calling them a catastrophic blow to communities and the city’s culture.—
Lucas Robinson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 May 2026
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At its peak, some areas were moving more than a foot a week, causing catastrophic damage.—
Grace Toohey,
Los Angeles Times,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cataclysmal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cataclysmal. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
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