anticlimax

noun an·ti·cli·max \ -ˈklī-ˌmaks \

Updated on: 5 Apr 2018

Definition of anticlimax

1 : the usually sudden transition in discourse from a significant idea to a trivial or ludicrous idea; also : an instance of this transition

2 : an event, period, or outcome that is strikingly less important or dramatic than expected

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Examples of anticlimax in a Sentence

The last chapter of the book was an anticlimax.
The movie ended in anticlimax.

Recent Examples of anticlimax from the Web

After days of almost feverish anticipation — indeed, in private, a few forum organizers complained of the media fixation over Trump's appearance — the speech was a bit of an anticlimax.

— ishaan tharoor, Washington Post, "Trump enters the Davos club by charming the plutocrats," 26 Jan. 2018
My colleague Heather Long reports that ears of some in attendance perked up at that: The relatively brief address came as an anticlimax.

— tory newmyer, Washington Post, "The Finance 202, Davos Edition: Trump makes Trump Steaks-style pitch for foreign investment," 26 Jan. 2018
By the game’s third drive, which ended with Robinson’s interception, the Eagles had rendered Diggs’s catch anticlimax.

— ben shpigel, New York Times, "Eagles March Past Vikings to Super Bowl, Just as They Predicted," 21 Jan. 2018
At some point, the titans will retreat, we will be left with a new cast and there will be some anticlimax.

— jon wertheim, SI.com, "Mailbag: Surprises and Shambles After Three Days at the 2018 Australian Open," 17 Jan. 2018
Joshua's status is in a new stratosphere after his dramatic victory over Wladimir Klitschko in April in one of the best heavyweight contests this century, so fighting a French journeyman like Takam is something of an anticlimax.

— USA TODAY, "1st Takam, then the world: Joshua has big plans for 2018," 25 Oct. 2017
View 111 Photos Setting off is something of an anticlimax.

— mike duff, Car and Driver, "2018 Rolls-Royce Phantom VIII," 12 Oct. 2017
Having burst on the scene suddenly, and reducing the Heisman race to an anticlimax, Jackson’s flaws were initially overshadowed by his flash.

— tim sullivan, The Courier-Journal, "Results, not race, main factor in Lamar Jackson's diminished buzz | Tim Sullivan," 30 Aug. 2017
Then, in the pinnacle of anticlimax, Wood uncorked a first-pitch wild pitch to Kris Bryant, allowing Baez to sprint home from third for the winning run.

— zach buchanan, Cincinnati.com, "Reds Recap: Cincinnati falls on walk-off wild pitch again," 16 Aug. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'anticlimax.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of anticlimax

1696

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Other Literature Terms

apophasis, bathos, bildungsroman, bowdlerize, caesura, coda, doggerel, euphemism, poesy, prosody

ANTICLIMAX Defined for English Language Learners

anticlimax

noun

Definition of anticlimax for English Language Learners

: something that is much less exciting or dramatic than it was expected to be : a dull or disappointing ending or result

Learn More about anticlimax

See words that rhyme with anticlimax Spanish Central: Translation of anticlimax Nglish: Translation of anticlimax for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about anticlimax

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anticlimax

Definition of anticlimax

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First Known Use of anticlimax

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ANTICLIMAX Defined for English Language Learners

anticlimax

Definition of anticlimax for English Language Learners

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