as in apocalyptic
of, relating to, or being a major turning point
the French Revolution is usually regarded as one of the climactic events in modern European history
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Recent Examples of climactic
The opening scene, complete with climactic special effects, is stunning by a quantum leap.
—
Frank Rizzo, Variety, 23 Apr. 2025
Rather than strain to add an arthouse veneer (or the climactic reveal of an animating trauma), Coogler offers a true synthesis between serious-minded fiction and B-movie camp.
—Paul A. Thompson, Pitchfork, 22 Apr. 2025
First of all, Season 2’s climactic conclusion isn’t a cliffhanger.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 21 Mar. 2025
Even the climactic battle’s helicopter-like drone warriors recalls nefarious winged monkeys deployed from the Wicked Witch's austere stone castle.
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for climactic
Frank Rizzo, Variety, 23 Apr. 2025
Rather than strain to add an arthouse veneer (or the climactic reveal of an animating trauma), Coogler offers a true synthesis between serious-minded fiction and B-movie camp.
—Paul A. Thompson, Pitchfork, 22 Apr. 2025
First of all, Season 2’s climactic conclusion isn’t a cliffhanger.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 21 Mar. 2025
Even the climactic battle’s helicopter-like drone warriors recalls nefarious winged monkeys deployed from the Wicked Witch's austere stone castle.
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for climactic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for climactic
Adjective
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Adding to the confusion, their on-site contact Marita (Abuela Marita) has disappeared, possibly in connection with her apocalyptic Christian temple.—
Amy Nicholson,
Los Angeles Times,
8 May 2025
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The Last of Us tells the story of two survivors (Ramsey and Pedro Pascal) many years after the onset of an apocalyptic plague.—
James Hibberd,
HollywoodReporter,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Owens cited those messages as evidence of a larger issue, alleging that the incident was a pivotal moment in West’s life that triggered much of his subsequent behavior.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
5 May 2025
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This is also a pivotal episode for Ellie and Dina, who get themselves into a good bit of trouble on their first day looking for Abby.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
5 May 2025
Adjective
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Founded by Frank Fertitta IV and Landon Gyulay, the Easy Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) grant-making nonprofit committed to helping Veterans transition to civilian life by addressing critical needs including mental health care, job training, placement, and family support services.—
Jem Aswad,
Variety,
5 May 2025
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Want to stay up to date on IndieWire’s film reviews and critical thoughts?—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
4 May 2025
Adjective
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For this reader, roughly the same age as Sam Raymond, there is uncommon pleasure in the paradoxes of this climacteric tale.—
Claire Messud,
Harper's Magazine,
22 June 2021
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Macerating unripe climacteric fruit in sugar, however, isn’t a substitute for ripening them; that just takes time in your kitchen counter’s fruit basket.—
Bill St. John,
The Denver Post,
8 May 2017
Adjective
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The Timberwolves were basking in the glow of this decisive victory over the league’s glamour franchise.—
Jon Krawczynski,
New York Times,
1 May 2025
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American support has been decisive, but Europe is also doing its part.—
Colin Pascal,
Baltimore Sun,
1 May 2025
Adjective
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Line changes spark Oilers’ third-period charge The Oilers switched their top six during the second intermission heading into a crucial final period of regulation.—
Eric Stephens,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2025
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This is because coaching encourages independence, growth and establishes a culture of trust, which are crucial elements for sustainable productivity.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Climactic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/climactic. Accessed 11 May. 2025.
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