culmination

noun

cul·​mi·​na·​tion ˌkəl-mə-ˈnā-shən 

1

: the action of culminating

2

: culminating position : climax

the culmination of a brilliant career

the culmination of years of research

Synonyms

• pinnacle
• zenith
• top
• height
• peak
• climax
• apex

Choose the Right Synonym for culmination

summit, peak, pinnacle, climax, apex, acme, culmination mean the highest point attained or attainable.

summit implies the topmost level attainable.

at the summit of the Victorian social scene

peak suggests the highest among other high points.

an artist working at the peak of her powers

pinnacle suggests a dizzying and often insecure height.

the pinnacle of worldly success

climax implies the highest point in an ascending series.

the war was the climax to a series of hostile actions

apex implies the point where all ascending lines converge.

the apex of Dutch culture

acme implies a level of quality representing the perfection of a thing.

a statue that was once deemed the acme of beauty

culmination suggests the outcome of a growth or development representing an attained objective.

the culmination of years of effort

Examples of culmination in a Sentence

This study is the culmination of years of research.

an acting performance that was seen as the culmination of a brilliant career on the stage

Recent Examples on the Web

On October 6th, the Aries Full Moon rises, bringing to culmination storylines that began back on March 29th, 2025, when the Aries Solar Eclipse cracked open new paths for us. —Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 5 Oct. 2025

This evening reflects the culmination of many years of artistry and friendship, reflected in her support for his new creative chapter at Balenciaga. —Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025

Friday’s high jewelry runway spectacular at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs during Paris Fashion Week will be the culmination of a big year for Messika, which is marking its 20th anniversary. —Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 3 Oct. 2025

The National Textile Recycling Infrastructure Plan represents the culmination of two years of in-depth research, dialogue and collaboration across the entire textile value chain in the UK, Mansell said. —Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 3 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see culminate

First Known Use

1633, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for culmination

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation