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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cataclysmal
Adjective
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Many in the comments could relate to roommate frustration, which often manifests in similar ways—as simple household tasks leading to disastrous misfires.—
Justin Gest,
Newsweek,
20 Jan. 2025 -
Many Democrats are angry that Biden clung to power and refused to allow for an open primary, only stepping aside after a disastrous debate performance provoked an internal revolt against his candidacy.—
Jonathan Easley,
The Hill,
20 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Electrical equipment — transmission lines in particular — has been the source of some of the most devastating wildfires in California and across the country.—
Ivan Penn,
New York Times,
30 Jan. 2025
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Almost two years ago, the BBC greenlit a three-part drama about the Grenfell Tower fire, a national tragedy in which 72 people perished in a devastating blaze at a London housing block.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
29 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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This data supports the growing trend in investing in collectables and historical artefacts, which are more likely to hold and increase their value in turbulent financial markets than other traditional forms of investment.—
Laia Farran Graves,
Forbes,
22 Jan. 2025
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Playing well at Torrey Pines could be another building block, after missing the cut during his turbulent 2024.—
Bryce Miller,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
21 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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But as Trump prepares to retake the White House Monday, Democratic leaders have highlighted other results that show November's losses are not fatal.—
Stephen Fowler,
NPR,
18 Jan. 2025
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There were 147 people killed in Kansas City last year, according to data maintained by The Star, which includes fatal police shootings.—
Kendrick Calfee,
Kansas City Star,
17 Jan. 2025
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Thesaurus Entries Near cataclysmal
Cite this Entry
“Cataclysmal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cataclysmal. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.
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