1
as in milestone
a point in a chain of events at which an important change (as in one's fortunes) occurs
the climax of the story occurs when the hero discovers the identity of his father
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in culmination
the highest part or point
the climax of her career as a performer
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of climax
Damon Wise, Deadline, 22 May 2025
With its vintage vibes and slow-burn suspense, the film, directed by Matt Palmer, captivates audiences with its brutal, twisty climax and echoes horror classics like Scream and Heathers.
—Jane Lacroix, People.com, 24 May 2025
Tim Wu, New York Times, 19 May 2025
Raymond’s own revolution climaxed in the following year.
—Matthew Karp, Harpers Magazine, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for climax
Noun
Regard entry Long Day’s Journey into Night — which asked viewers to don 3D glasses for its spectacular climax, an unbroken, hourlong tracking shot — Resurrection is both breathtaking at times and airless at others.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 22 May 2025
With its vintage vibes and slow-burn suspense, the film, directed by Matt Palmer, captivates audiences with its brutal, twisty climax and echoes horror classics like Scream and Heathers.
—Jane Lacroix, People.com, 24 May 2025
Verb
Both books climax with the weekend in November 2023 when Altman was abruptly fired by his company’s board, only to be reinstated days later after staff members and investors revolted.
—Tim Wu, New York Times, 19 May 2025
Raymond’s own revolution climaxed in the following year.
—Matthew Karp, Harpers Magazine, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for climax
Recent Examples of Synonyms for climax
Noun
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Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) hit a record-breaking milestone this week, arresting more than 2,200 undocumented migrants in a single day.—
Billal Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 June 2025
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Late last year, Factor celebrated a milestone of one million meals donated to the Aurora community during a similar ceremony.—
R. Christian Smith,
Chicago Tribune,
5 June 2025
Noun
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Their presence is the culmination of a decade-long project under Schmetzer, the latest big game for a club well-accustomed to the spotlight.—
Jeff Rueter,
New York Times,
8 June 2025
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But the opening is the culmination of many more years, stretching back to Shi’s start in the hospitality space.—
Kristen Tauer,
Footwear News,
5 June 2025
Verb
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If one or more teams are level at the end of the group stage, their finishing position will be determined by points obtained in the matches between the sides in question, not goal difference, like at the World Cup.—
Will Jeanes,
New York Times,
6 June 2025
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But the Sox finished 27th in the majors in attendance last year, averaging 17,931 per home game.—
LaMond Pope,
Chicago Tribune,
5 June 2025
Noun
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Small rivers in the upper watershed rose quickly, some cresting at historic levels, and have already come back down.—
Amy Graff,
New York Times,
3 May 2025
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What to Know California's snowpack peaked at 100 percent of seasonal average on April 4 and is now melting into watersheds.—
Anna Skinner,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The new Compton High School, which will open this fall, stands as a pinnacle example: Teachers will not have their own classrooms — but will conduct classes in various spaces depending on topic and availability.—
Howard Blume,
Los Angeles Times,
10 June 2025
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To most, the rivalry matchup with the Padres was the pinnacle of the postseason.—
Valentina Martinez,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 June 2025
Verb
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However, Reuters reports that Egyptian transport minister Kamel al-Wazir recently told a conference in Egypt that the planning stage for a bridge between Egypt and Saudi Arabia has been completed, and that his country is ready to implement it at any time.—
Adam Williams,
New Atlas,
6 June 2025
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The Dragon spacecraft has completed more than 50 missions, including 46 visits to the International Space Station (ISS), according to its website.—
Abigail Adams,
People.com,
6 June 2025
Noun
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How college sports are preparing for ‘seismic change,’ including revenue sharing and new roster limits College athletic directors, including at Northwestern and Northern Illinois, have decisions to make on revenue sharing, roster limits and more as a landmark settlement heads to final approval.—
Eddie Pells,
Chicago Tribune,
7 June 2025
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In addition to Clooney, who plays Murrow in the stage production, Good Night, and Good Luck features a stellar cast portraying the real-life people behind the landmark broadcast.—
Emily Blackwood,
People.com,
7 June 2025
Noun
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Valerie Mahaffey, who reached a career zenith in 1992 with an Emmy win for Best Supporting actress in a Drama Series for Northern Exposure, died on May 30 after losing her battle with cancer.—
Marc Berman,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2025
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My disappointment at just missing the zenith of this color riot is quickly replaced by a strongly sweet aroma that floods my nose while passing through Oberoi Vindhyavilas Wildlife Resort’s imposing entrance.—
Nicole Kliest,
Vogue,
23 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Climax.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/climax. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
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