climactic

adjective

cli·​mac·​tic klī-ˈmak-tik 

klə-

: of, relating to, or constituting a climax

the film's climactic scene

climactically

klī-ˈmak-ti-k(ə-)lē 

klə-

adverb

Synonyms of climactic

• apocalyptic
• pivotal
• critical
• highest
• decisive
• climacteric
• culminating
• crucial
• watershed

Examples of climactic in a Sentence

At the climactic moment, the main character of the novel finds herself face to face with the thief.

the movie's climactic chase scene

Recent Examples on the Web

Dessner also worked with Nick Cave to write the film’s eponymous theme song that plays during the end credits just after the film’s soaring, climactic finish. —Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 28 Nov. 2025

One of its most famous scenes is a duel between two wizards, which seems relevant to this episode’s climactic moments. —Keith Phipps, Vulture, 27 Nov. 2025

Directed by Sotozaki Haruo and produced by ufotable, the film adapts the climactic final arc of Gotouge Koyoharu’s blockbuster manga. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 24 Nov. 2025

Over time — as the climactic drill in Oregon slowly begins to take shape — all of the film’s many displays of security theater begin to sludge together into an unnerving new shape. —David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 18 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1747, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for climactic

• didactic
• galactic
• syntactic
• anaphylactic
• extragalactic
• intergalactic
• stereotactic
• chemotactic
• chiropractic
• isotactic
• prophylactic
• lactic

Kids Definition

climactic

adjective

cli·​mac·​tic klī-ˈmak-tik 

klə-

: of, relating to, or being a climax

the movie's climactic scene

Medical Definition

climactic

adjective

cli·​mac·​tic klī-ˈmak-tik 

: of, relating to, or constituting a climax