variants
also apocalyptical
as in climactic
of, relating to, or being a major turning point
the apocalyptic Battle of Stalingrad, which led to the ultimate defeat of Nazi Germany
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of apocalyptic
But some believe a traveling, apocalyptic preacher convinced her that killing Noah, John, Paul, Luke and Mary was the only way to save them from eternal damnation.
—
Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
In the follow-up, the central family must leave their Greenland bunker in search of a new home in post-apocalyptic Europe.
—Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 10 Jan. 2026
The damage is done, and the damage appears to be darn-near apocalyptic.
—Theoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 31 Dec. 2025
The actor has seen the last of the post-apocalyptic landscape of the popular HBO series.
—Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for apocalyptic
Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
In the follow-up, the central family must leave their Greenland bunker in search of a new home in post-apocalyptic Europe.
—Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 10 Jan. 2026
The damage is done, and the damage appears to be darn-near apocalyptic.
—Theoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 31 Dec. 2025
The actor has seen the last of the post-apocalyptic landscape of the popular HBO series.
—Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for apocalyptic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apocalyptic
Adjective
-
Everything culminates in a climactic scene in the Shrieking Shack, where the truth about the two Animagi (wizards who can turn into animals) is revealed, plus Sirius Black (Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù) comes clean as a friend of Harry’s parents who can also turn into a black dog.—
Jordan Moreau,
Variety,
13 Jan. 2026
-
There's a climactic moment in Palm Springs when Poppy cuts down the plastic just in time for a summer rainstorm to hit.—
Ashley Boucher,
Entertainment Weekly,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Welfare advocates, long highly critical of the San Jose animal shelter, are warning of a potential legal fight if the agency fails to improve animal care — accusing the city of neglect, gross negligence and repeating violations of state law.—
Devan Patel,
Mercury News,
14 Jan. 2026
-
Construction plans indicate that China intends to demolish and rebuild a basement wall, placing officials and equipment just over three feet from critical fiber-optic cables.—
Bonny Chu,
FOXNews.com,
14 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The pivotal play in the game came early in the fourth quarter with Houston leading 10-6.—
Kevin Dotson,
CNN Money,
13 Jan. 2026
-
As lawmakers return to Tallahassee for their 2026 session, education and its underlying budget — more than a quarter of the state’s annual spending — again are poised to play a pivotal role in the legislative process.—
Garrett Shanley,
Miami Herald,
12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Dahlin was decisive with his shot, which helped a slumping power play get on the board twice.—
Matthew Fairburn,
New York Times,
15 Jan. 2026
-
Woodbridge coach Steven Scoggin didn’t look at the end as the decisive moment.—
Martin Henderson,
Oc Register,
14 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Keeping high-ethylene producers away from climacteric fruits can keep them from ripening too quickly.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
15 July 2025
-
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
Adjective
-
Never use your high-beam lights.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Jan. 2026
-
The team had started the season on a losing streak, and tensions were high.—
Jordan Greene,
PEOPLE,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Carolina won, 27-15, and Jansen recalls that victory being as a watershed moment for the franchise.—
Mike Kaye
December 31,
Charlotte Observer,
31 Dec. 2025
-
The 2024 awards season became a watershed moment for horror, showcasing the genre’s viability.—
Robert Lang,
Deadline,
27 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Apocalyptic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apocalyptic. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
