apocalyptic

adjective

ə-ˌpä-kə-ˈlip-tik How to pronounce apocalyptic (audio)
variants also apocalyptical
Definition of apocalypticnext
as in climactic
of, relating to, or being a major turning point the apocalyptic Battle of Stalingrad, which led to the ultimate defeat of Nazi Germany

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 apocalyptic Thousands of Gary's residents have since been left without power for weeks, in which some likened the situation to something apocalyptic. — Jen Guadarrama, IndyStar, 20 Aug. 2026 Matt will discuss the journey that led him to write apocalyptic fiction, including the megahit Dungeon Crawler Carl series. — Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Aug. 2026 Just when this summer couldn’t get more apocalyptic, a packaging defect has led Schwarzkopf’s parent company, Henkel, to voluntarily recall its Osis Grip Extra Strong Mousse. — James Manso, Allure, 17 Aug. 2026 The story is set in a post-apocalyptic world where 39 women and one girl—the book’s nameless protagonist—have been imprisoned in an underground bunker for years. — Air Mail, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for apocalyptic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apocalyptic
  1. climactic
  2. critical
  3. pivotal
  4. decisive
  5. climacteric
  6. high
  7. watershed
Adjective
  • The pilot’s mounting mysteries and climactic cliffhanger might have felt like promises of something shocking.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026
  • But the band fury is as climactic as anything that could be done continuing to have the full ensemble play… and Dudamel looked happy enough to put his baton down, turn around and just watch the group play for a few minutes.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of climactic
Adjective
  • Engineers can develop critical reactor hardware internally while sourcing mature technologies elsewhere.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The mere possibility of losing its critical space assets in a surprise attack could push the United States to use its forces early or to delegate launch authority in ways that raise the risk of an accident, to avoid the devastating consequences.
    — Jeffrey Lewis, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of critical
Adjective
  • Iceland’s freezing temperatures typically last about five months of the year, but the government has chosen a balmy summer day for its pivotal national referendum.
    — Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026
  • But Bama followed with a 38-3 quarterfinal flop to Indiana, erasing any momentum and placing DeBoer squarely under the microscope entering a pivotal third season.
    — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of pivotal
Adjective
  • Carney was also buoyed by Monday’s Liberal sweep of three special elections, including a decisive win in Chicoutimi-Le Fjord in Quebec, where the Conservatives fell to third place.
    — Rob Gillies, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Carney was also buoyed by Monday's Liberal sweep of three special elections, including a decisive win in Chicoutimi-Le Fjord, Quebec, where the Conservatives fell to third place.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of decisive
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
Definition of climacteric
Adjective
  • Eastward to Morgan City, Louisiana, the surge could be as high as 3 feet, while southward along the Texas coast, the storm surge could be up to 2 feet as far south as San Luis Pass, the center stated.
    — Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Where companies such as Zero and Stark have pushed hard to gain high output numbers in order to win sales, Bonnell hopes to win them by building e-bikes that appeal to riders and enthusiasts at a more visceral level.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of high
Adjective
  • Regulators and online safety advocates called it a watershed moment, and both Meta and state attorneys general called on TikTok and YouTube to make similar changes.
    — Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026
  • For a deeper look at the landscape, the Dewey Short Visitor Center pairs lake and dam views with engaging exhibits on the watershed and local habitats.
    — Taryn Shorr-Mckee, Midwest Living, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of watershed

Browse Nearby Words

apocalypses
apocalyptic
apocryphal
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Apocalyptic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apocalyptic. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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