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
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After a rousing celebration of the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 last year, the question naturally followed: How could the 101st version of the legendary race be more than an anticlimax?
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.
1696
First Known Use of anticlimax
1696
Other Literature Terms
ANTICLIMAX Defined for English Language Learners
anticlimax
playDefinition of anticlimax for English Language Learners
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: 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
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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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