as in apocalyptic
of, relating to, or being a major turning point
the French Revolution is usually regarded as one of the climactic events in modern European history
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of climactic
Finales now need to be crammed with cameos, climactic events and of course a cliffhanger.
—
Caroline Reid, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024
Political life in the nation's Capitol rarely ends in climactic fashion, with most leaving the halls of power because of retirement or defeat rather than one final victory before calling it a career.
—Hunter Woodall, CBS News, 25 Nov. 2024
And yet, the chorus and Kendrick’s conviction mostly sell it anyway, even if the LP could have closed on a more climactic crescendo.
—Peter A. Berry, Variety, 24 Nov. 2024
And most importantly, their true character as competitive athletes is revealed in the climactic fourth quarter of a close game.
—Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 22 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for climactic 
Caroline Reid, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024
Political life in the nation's Capitol rarely ends in climactic fashion, with most leaving the halls of power because of retirement or defeat rather than one final victory before calling it a career.
—Hunter Woodall, CBS News, 25 Nov. 2024
And yet, the chorus and Kendrick’s conviction mostly sell it anyway, even if the LP could have closed on a more climactic crescendo.
—Peter A. Berry, Variety, 24 Nov. 2024
And most importantly, their true character as competitive athletes is revealed in the climactic fourth quarter of a close game.
—Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 22 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for climactic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for climactic
Adjective
-
The dialog-free drama follows a big-eyed cat caught in an apocalyptic flood who teams up with a geographically diverse pack of critters to escape.Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Dec. 2024
-
The immediate aftermath likely included apocalyptic tsunamis, widespread fires and massive clouds of dust capable of temporarily blocking sunlight.Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
Topline Syrian President Bashar al-Assad fled Syria Sunday after rebels seized control of Damascus, Russia’s foreign ministry said—a pivotal moment in the years-long civil war against the regime that has controlled Syria since the 1970s.Sara Dorn, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024
-
The races in 2026 feature three dozen gubernatorial contests, including swing states Arizona, Pennsylvania and Michigan amid the pivotal mid-term elections for Congress.Phillip M. Bailey, The Courier-Journal, 8 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
But Hurts hasn’t been reliable on a passer in critical scenarios.Brooks Kubena, The Athletic, 9 Dec. 2024
-
After a dismal 31% from three last season, Hart’s resurgence as a sharpshooter is critical in a Knicks offense transformed by the offseason acquisitions of Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns.Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 8 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
For this reader, roughly the same age as Sam Raymond, there is uncommon pleasure in the paradoxes of this climacteric tale.Claire Messud, Harper's Magazine, 22 June 2021
-
Macerating unripe climacteric fruit in sugar, however, isn’t a substitute for ripening them; that just takes time in your kitchen counter’s fruit basket.Bill St. John, The Denver Post, 8 May 2017
Adjective
-
The first lesson is the crucial importance of backing diplomacy with decisive military power and accurate intelligence in order to secure an achievable political objective.Stuart E. Eizenstat, The Atlantic, 2 Dec. 2024
-
But in the end, Barkley’s fourth-quarter touchdown was the decisive score as the Eagles won their eighth in a row to improve to 10-2 while the Ravens fall to 8-5.Ben Morse, CNN, 2 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
His five-year pro bono initiative provides crucial guidance to Veteran organizations, ensuring sustainable growth and long-term success.Grace Butler, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024
-
Color temperature affects how light looks and feels, and the distinction between the temperatures is crucial in setting the mood and enhancing aesthetics.Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near climactic
Cite this Entry
“Climactic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/climactic. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share