cataclysm
noun
cat·a·clysm
ˈka-tə-ˌkli-zəm 
3
: a momentous and violent event marked by overwhelming upheaval and demolition
broadly
: an event that brings great changes
an international economic cataclysm
Synonyms
Examples of cataclysm in a Sentence
floods, earthquakes, and other cataclysms
The country barely survived the cataclysm of war.
The revolution could result in worldwide cataclysm.
Recent Examples on the Web
For centuries, scientists have been piecing together the details of this frozen-in-time cataclysm: Roofs laden with volcanic rocks collapsed, choking clouds of ash showered down, and a fast-moving current of scorching gas and volcanic material coursed through the city.
—
Carolyn Y. Johnson, Washington Post, 18 July 2024
During the early days of Covid, some pundits predicted an economic cataclysm on par with the Great Depression—a view that, fortunately, proved wildly inaccurate.
—Adi Ignatius, Harvard Business Review, 1 July 2024
If only Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and other mainstream Republicans — who acknowledged that Trump was guilty of inciting an insurrection — had voted to convict, the nation would have been spared the potential cataclysm that now looms.
—Max Boot, Washington Post, 8 July 2024
But as much as the myriad cataclysms of Tokyo and Rio have receded in the rearview mirror, ratings watchers may want to cool it with the inevitable comparisons between this year’s event and the one from 12 years ago.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 26 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for cataclysm 
Carolyn Y. Johnson, Washington Post, 18 July 2024
During the early days of Covid, some pundits predicted an economic cataclysm on par with the Great Depression—a view that, fortunately, proved wildly inaccurate.
—Adi Ignatius, Harvard Business Review, 1 July 2024
If only Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and other mainstream Republicans — who acknowledged that Trump was guilty of inciting an insurrection — had voted to convict, the nation would have been spared the potential cataclysm that now looms.
—Max Boot, Washington Post, 8 July 2024
But as much as the myriad cataclysms of Tokyo and Rio have receded in the rearview mirror, ratings watchers may want to cool it with the inevitable comparisons between this year’s event and the one from 12 years ago.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 26 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for cataclysm
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cataclysm.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Cataclysm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cataclysm. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
cataclysm
noun
cat·a·clysm
ˈkat-ə-ˌkliz-əm
1
: a great flood
2
: a violent and destructive natural event (as an earthquake)
3
: a violent social or political change
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