apocalyptic

adjective

ə-ˌpä-kə-ˈlip-tik How to pronounce apocalyptic (audio)
variants also apocalyptical
Definition of apocalypticnext
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

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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 Zuckerberg is referencing OpenAI and Anthropic, which operate on the premise that hyper-smart AI is both inevitable and apocalyptic—and therefore safe only in the hands of the wisest custodians (themselves). — Will Oremus, The Atlantic, 12 Aug. 2026 Woodley stars as Annie Clay in the post-apocalyptic show—a role that recently earned her an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series. — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 12 Aug. 2026 This depiction of Circe is integral to Nolan’s apocalyptic narrative. — Bailey Sincox, The Conversation, 6 Aug. 2026 The field of recruiting hasn’t been spared from executives making apocalyptic predictions of job losses. — Ritu Mohanka, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for apocalyptic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apocalyptic
  1. climactic
  2. critical
  3. pivotal
  4. decisive
  5. climacteric
  6. high
  7. watershed
Adjective
  • The pilot’s mounting mysteries and climactic cliffhanger might have felt like promises of something shocking.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026
  • But the band fury is as climactic as anything that could be done continuing to have the full ensemble play… and Dudamel looked happy enough to put his baton down, turn around and just watch the group play for a few minutes.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of climactic
Adjective
  • Howard also claims the judge rushed a critical closed‑door hearing, limiting the defense's ability to prepare.
    — CBS Texas Staff, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Rosalind Franklin captured the critical X-ray diffraction image that proved the double-helix structure of DNA.
    — Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of critical
Adjective
  • The Tiananmen Square crackdown was a pivotal moment in China’s modern history, showing that the market reform that transformed the country into the world’s second-largest economy would not be coupled with political liberalization.
    — Kanis Leung, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026
  • But considered closer, Frankie’s insult to his sister sets up a pivotal moment later.
    — Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of pivotal
Adjective
  • The Maracana is one of soccer's most iconic venues, having hosted the decisive match of the 1950 men's World Cup, with Uruguay crowned champions after beating the hosts 2-1.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Quinn Yeargain, a professor of the law of democracy at Michigan State University College of Law, said Median’s intent would be a decisive factor in determining whether any laws were broken.
    — Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of decisive
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
Definition of climacteric
Adjective
  • The exterior features unique blue accents and matching blue high-performance brake calipers.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 19 Aug. 2026
  • One part of this offensive doctrine is the persistent but unpredictable attacks on tankers leaving the Gulf – so as to keep oil prices high.
    — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of high
Adjective
  • This is a watershed moment for generative AI and large language models (LLMs).
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The unanimous ruling was seen by supporters of self-identification as a watershed moment, pushing India ahead of much of South Asia on transgender rights.
    — Aakash Hassan, Christian Science Monitor, 31 July 2026
Definition of watershed

Browse Nearby Words

apocalypses
apocalyptic
apocryphal
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Cite this Entry

“Apocalyptic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apocalyptic. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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