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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of apocalyptic
Some adherents to the Nation of Islam, for example, believe that its founder will inaugurate an apocalyptic return to Earth on a spaceship.
—
Krysta Fauria, Fortune, 12 June 2026
War of the Worlds was an obvious and devastating response to the carnage of 9/11, updating the classic novel to a modern-day depiction of a society coming undone in the face of an apocalyptic alien invasion.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 9 June 2026
The Dog Stars is based on Peter Heller’s post-apocalyptic novel.
—Justin Kroll, Deadline, 8 June 2026
By 101 measures, Los Angeles is one of the great cities of the world and California has built the world’s fourth-largest economy while leading on climate change, so apocalyptic diagnoses are a bit off the mark.
—Steve Lopez
columnist
follow, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for apocalyptic
Krysta Fauria, Fortune, 12 June 2026
War of the Worlds was an obvious and devastating response to the carnage of 9/11, updating the classic novel to a modern-day depiction of a society coming undone in the face of an apocalyptic alien invasion.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 9 June 2026
The Dog Stars is based on Peter Heller’s post-apocalyptic novel.
—Justin Kroll, Deadline, 8 June 2026
By 101 measures, Los Angeles is one of the great cities of the world and California has built the world’s fourth-largest economy while leading on climate change, so apocalyptic diagnoses are a bit off the mark.
—Steve Lopez
columnist
follow, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for apocalyptic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apocalyptic
Adjective
-
When the quartet collides in the film’s climactic fight, each has his own motivation and a reason to feel white-hot, incandescent rage.—
Andy Crump,
IndieWire,
15 June 2026
-
Season 2, however, faced some criticism for its lack of climactic setpieces, potentially due to an episode order shortened from 10 to just eight.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
15 June 2026
Adjective
-
Under California law, police agencies are generally required to release to the public audio and video recordings of police shootings and other critical incidents involving great bodily injury within 45 days of the incident.—
Richard Winton,
Los Angeles Times,
16 June 2026
-
The upgrade is part of the B-52 Radar Modernization Program — a critical component of a broader strategy that aims to extend the B-52’s service life through 2050.—
Reeti Malhotra,
Sacbee.com,
16 June 2026
Adjective
-
Burnham, a former cabinet minister who’s been Mayor of Greater Manchester for the best part of a decade, now re-enters parliament at a pivotal moment for his party.—
Clare Sebastian,
CNN Money,
19 June 2026
-
The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity has transformed from an advertising awards show into a pivotal global marketplace where technology, retail, media, luxury, and entertainment converge.—
Kate Hardcastle,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
Adjective
-
Canada has a chance to take a decisive step toward the knockouts against unfancied Qatar, with all four teams in their group level on 1 point after the Qataris earned a surprise tie with Switzerland.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
19 June 2026
-
Southgate missed the decisive penalty, in 1996, in a match against Germany.—
Jon Allsop,
New Yorker,
18 June 2026
Adjective
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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
-
Beren has achived high ratings from customers since moving into a stylish dining room that was formerly a vegetarian fine-dining restaurant.—
Bud Kennedy,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 June 2026
-
When nutrient levels are high, feasting algae can quickly reproduce.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
20 June 2026
Adjective
-
While Juneteenth became a federal holiday just five years ago, Bay Area communities have been celebrating the watershed event for over 80 years.—
Laura A. Oda,
Mercury News,
20 June 2026
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The watershed district has spent 20 years improving water quality and resilience through stormwater management, shoreline restoration and control of invasive aquatic plants.—
Tyler Quattrin,
Twin Cities,
10 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Apocalyptic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apocalyptic. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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