climactic

adjective

cli·​mac·​tic klī-ˈmak-tik How to pronounce climactic (audio)
klə-
: of, relating to, or constituting a climax
the film's climactic scene
climactically adverb

Examples of climactic in a Sentence

At the climactic moment, the main character of the novel finds herself face to face with the thief. the movie's climactic chase scene
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As recently as 2010, numerous audience members fainted watching James Franco slice his arm off in the climactic act of self-preservation in Danny Boyle’s 127 Hours. Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 16 July 2025 As the season counts down to its climactic final game, these five are forced to confront their deepest hopes, anxieties and secrets. Ashlee Conour, Chicago Tribune, 16 July 2025 This alternative take ended with Shalla-Bal's death during a climactic clash with the Celestials. Jeff Spry, Space.com, 14 July 2025 Working with Salvo Foti, a Sicilian winemaker who is known as an evangelist for the island’s native grapes, Harvey installed weather stations on the slopes of Mount Etna to better understand the climactic needs of both Carricante and indigenous red grape Nerello Mascalese. Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for climactic

Word History

First Known Use

1747, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of climactic was in 1747

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Cite this Entry

“Climactic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/climactic. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

climactic

adjective
cli·​mac·​tic klī-ˈmak-tik How to pronounce climactic (audio)
klə-
: of, relating to, or being a climax
the movie's climactic scene

Medical Definition

climactic

adjective
cli·​mac·​tic klī-ˈmak-tik How to pronounce climactic (audio)
: of, relating to, or constituting a climax

More from Merriam-Webster on climactic

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