anticlimax

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noun an·ti·cli·max \ -ˈklī-ˌmaks \

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

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
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.

— WSJ, "James Comey’s Passion Play," 8 June 2017
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?

— james f. peltz, latimes.com, "Formula One's Fernando Alonso adds interest to this year's Indy 500," 25 May 2017
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.

— chris stirewalt, Fox News, "Quick, read this before news breaks!," 19 May 2017
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.

— chris stirewalt, Fox News, "Quick, read this before news breaks!," 19 May 2017
Whatever comes now is destined to be an anticlimax.

— tommy tomlinson, Esquire, "Reverend Resistance," 25 Apr. 2017
The heist itself is an anticlimax, heightened by there being no bad guys in the bank, just more victims.

— peter hartlaub, Orange County Register, "New ‘Going in Style’ grows old gracefully," 6 Apr. 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

Other Literature Terms

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

ANTICLIMAX Defined for English Language Learners

anticlimax

play

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

Examples of anticlimax in a Sentence

Recent Examples of anticlimax from the Web

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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