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
From the M-W Editors
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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James Comey’s first post-FBI appearance in front of the Senate on Thursday turned out to be a political anticlimax, with no major revelations about the alleged Trump-Russia nexus or the President’s supposed attempt to derail the investigation.
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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?
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Just bust a move QUICK, READ THIS BEFORE NEWS BREAKS!We say, with some fear of sudden and urgent correction, that today marks something of an anticlimax.
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Just bust a move QUICK, READ THIS BEFORE NEWS BREAKS!We say, with some fear of sudden and urgent correction, that today marks something of an anticlimax.
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Whatever comes now is destined to be an anticlimax.
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The heist itself is an anticlimax, heightened by there being no bad guys in the bank, just more victims.
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Whatever Ranieri did this season would have felt like 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.
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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