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
Example 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
In that seminal kung fu film’s climactic scene, Lee and Norris’ characters face off inside the Colosseum in Rome.
—
Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 20 Mar. 2026
As rivalries ignite and alliances turn lethal, the season builds to a climactic reckoning that threatens to shatter the fabric of high society.
—Zac Ntim, Deadline, 17 Mar. 2026
Writer/director Cregger previously told IndieWire that Madigan insisted on doing almost all of her own stunts for the film, including in the over-the-top, climactic chase sequence that involved a lot of running and crashing into walls and through windows.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 15 Mar. 2026
Jordan is magnetic in the role and eventually becomes king before T'Challa (Chadwick Boseman) returns from his apparent death for their climactic duel.
—Ken Simmons, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for climactic
Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 20 Mar. 2026
As rivalries ignite and alliances turn lethal, the season builds to a climactic reckoning that threatens to shatter the fabric of high society.
—Zac Ntim, Deadline, 17 Mar. 2026
Writer/director Cregger previously told IndieWire that Madigan insisted on doing almost all of her own stunts for the film, including in the over-the-top, climactic chase sequence that involved a lot of running and crashing into walls and through windows.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 15 Mar. 2026
Jordan is magnetic in the role and eventually becomes king before T'Challa (Chadwick Boseman) returns from his apparent death for their climactic duel.
—Ken Simmons, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for climactic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for climactic
Adjective
-
The book follows a father and son’s journey across a post-apocalyptic America.—
Carly Tagen-Dye,
PEOPLE,
30 Mar. 2026
-
It has also been viewed by many as an allegorical commentary on first century Christianity and Rome, and has been seen as an impending apocalyptic prophecy by generations ever since.—
City News Service,
Oc Register,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is pivotal in reducing the risk of wildfires during these hazardous conditions.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Martinez said mental health care is pivotal to reaching the people who need it most.—
Zach Boetto,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Millions of Americans enrolled in Medicare Advantage are approaching a critical deadline that could have long-lasting financial consequences.—
Amanda Greenwood,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
-
For Iranian athletes who play in domestic-league games that aren’t broadcast internationally, the World Cup serves as a critical launchpad to impress international scouts.—
Albert Samaha,
New Yorker,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
In these past four weeks, our armed forces have delivered swift, decisive, overwhelming victories on the battlefield victories like few people have ever seen before.—
James Powel,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
-
European luxury is entering a high-stakes first-quarter reporting period as sentiment has taken a decisive hit, just as many of the sector's big names were nearing a turning point after years of declining sales.—
Elsa Ohlen,
CNBC,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Keeping high-ethylene producers away from climacteric fruits can keep them from ripening too quickly.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
15 July 2025
-
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
Adjective
-
Irrigation is crucial in an area that's primarily dry land agriculture.—
Alan Gionet,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Called the trans-lunar injection burn (TLI), the crucial maneuver is scheduled to take place roughly 24 hours into the mission.—
Denise Chow,
NBC news,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The boxing world, in general, is also kind of identifying this as a watershed moment, in many ways.—
Lisa Deaderick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
22 Mar. 2026
-
The early 1990s were a watershed moment for female health.—
Annalisa Merelli,
STAT,
12 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Climactic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/climactic. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
