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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of apocalyptic
Episode 7 of the series, The Day, is probably the single best rendition of an apocalyptic event unfolding in real time and the panic that ensues.
—
Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
This meant building out the retrofuturistic neon lights of Sin City for flashbacks, as well as its dustier, apocalyptic New Vegas version in the present timeline.
—Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Jan. 2026
But judging from the overflowing shopping carts, many seem to be preparing for something more apocalyptic.
—Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Jan. 2026
Things get pretty apocalyptic from here.
—Phil Plait, Scientific American, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for apocalyptic
Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
This meant building out the retrofuturistic neon lights of Sin City for flashbacks, as well as its dustier, apocalyptic New Vegas version in the present timeline.
—Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Jan. 2026
But judging from the overflowing shopping carts, many seem to be preparing for something more apocalyptic.
—Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Jan. 2026
Things get pretty apocalyptic from here.
—Phil Plait, Scientific American, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for apocalyptic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apocalyptic
Adjective
-
The climactic scenes toy with the blurred lines between hallucination and reality, but the logic falls apart; threads like Hana’s rash decision to undertake a dangerous surgical fix virtually evaporate without much payoff.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Feb. 2026
-
This looks climactic for you personally, a real turning point that might shift your life circumstances in loud, obvious ways.—
Steph Koyfman,
Condé Nast Traveler,
29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Hillis Schild, executive director of the fund, said such projects meet critical community needs, but often struggle to secure traditional bank financing.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Nick Geller, managing director of Steadfast LA, highlighted the organization’s emphasis on protecting critical community infrastructure.—
Michelle Edgar,
Daily News,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
But to him, all of the town’s problems stemmed from one pivotal source.—
Rob Picheta,
CNN Money,
7 Feb. 2026
-
The relationship between Cuba and the United States is approaching a pivotal crossroads.—
Anna McAllister,
CBS News,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told Fox News Digital that Khamenei remains the decisive figure in Iran’s system even as the regime faces pressure at home and abroad.—
Efrat Lachter,
FOXNews.com,
6 Feb. 2026
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Iran’s military has warned that any attack would be met with an immediate and decisive response, including strikes on US forces and assets in the region.—
Kevin Liptak,
CNN Money,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Keeping high-ethylene producers away from climacteric fruits can keep them from ripening too quickly.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
15 July 2025
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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
Adjective
-
Photographed on Thursday night, Rihanna wore Balenciaga’s back to front high neck sweater in slate gray with the matching wool maxi skirt and strappy black heels.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
7 Feb. 2026
-
Howe said right now the sportsbooks are seeing a lot of action on a Seahawks victory and a high-scoring game.—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN Money,
7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
That film, now recognized as a watershed moment, helped revolutionize the independent film business.—
Rena Ronson,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Jan. 2026
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NikeSkims, the watershed partnership between sportswear giant Nike and Kim Kardashian‘s label-of-the-moment Skims, has just made a splash in the world of footwear.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
26 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Apocalyptic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apocalyptic. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.
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