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
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Recent Examples of climactic
In leaving much of his story up to intuition — and taking a climactic turn toward the surreal — Chowdhury crafts a scrupulous slow-burn drama about a kind of obsession that, despite being opaque, comes off as entirely tragic.
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Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 17 Dec. 2024
This would all be cool enough in itself, but the present-day plot is also full of really tight writing and jokes, and the episode really sings when the two timelines get a climactic split-screen presentation.
93.
—Jesse David Fox, Vulture, 17 Dec. 2024
Check out the whole album, but the title track is a knockout with it's-impossible-to-resist climactic buildup and engaging payoff, foreshadowing even bolder directions the band might go.
—Piet Levy, Journal Sentinel, 16 Dec. 2024
The sweet premise is enough of a selling point, but the climactic grand gestures and performances — including that of child actress Isabel Birch — are what really inspire tears by the end.
—Janey Tracey, EW.com, 14 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for climactic 
Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 17 Dec. 2024
This would all be cool enough in itself, but the present-day plot is also full of really tight writing and jokes, and the episode really sings when the two timelines get a climactic split-screen presentation.
93.
—Jesse David Fox, Vulture, 17 Dec. 2024
Check out the whole album, but the title track is a knockout with it's-impossible-to-resist climactic buildup and engaging payoff, foreshadowing even bolder directions the band might go.
—Piet Levy, Journal Sentinel, 16 Dec. 2024
The sweet premise is enough of a selling point, but the climactic grand gestures and performances — including that of child actress Isabel Birch — are what really inspire tears by the end.
—Janey Tracey, EW.com, 14 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for climactic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for climactic
Adjective
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The apocalyptic inferno has torn through the affluent neighborhood, forcing various celebrities to flee.Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025
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From its apocalyptic rise in late ’60s New York to its triumphant empire of sound throughout the ‘70s and ’80s, the company sold albums by the millions, its incomparable roster showcasing the pedigree and sophistication of Afro-Caribbean music: Celia Cruz and Tito Puente.Ernesto Lechner, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Basquiat also reimagined pivotal moments in history through the lens of the Swiss Alps.Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Jan. 2025
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Bardella's announcement marks the passing of the influential figure who played a pivotal role in shaping the French far-right political landscape.Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Additionally, 25 percent of younger Americans pointed to housing costs as a critical area for government focus, while only 10 percent of those aged 60 and above shared this view.Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025
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By restricting immigration, countries across the globe, rich and poor alike, are missing critical opportunities to boost economic growth and social unity.Amy Pope, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
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Putin is gambling that Russia can outlast Ukraine, believing that without decisive Western aid, Ukrainian morale and resources will collapse.John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025
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Protecting the Future The rise of Red Note demands action—not panic, but thoughtful, decisive measures to safeguard people and democratic principles.Jason Snyder, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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While the curriculum mainly focuses on core subjects like history, math, science, and language arts, education also plays a crucial role in developing youth’s emotional awareness, problem-solving skills, effective communication abilities, and many others.William Jones, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025
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The state gets very little rain from May through September, so late fall and winter are crucial to fill reservoirs and to build up the snowpack to provide water.CBS News, CBS News, 10 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near climactic
Cite this Entry
“Climactic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/climactic. Accessed 17 Jan. 2025.
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