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
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Recent Examples of apocalyptic
Based on the 2022 video game by David Szymanski, Iron Lung takes place far in the future, after an apocalyptic event known as the Quiet Rapture has caused the disappearance of all of the stars, with only a paltry number of humans on space stations left as survivors.
—
Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 4 Feb. 2026
Some critics counter that Thiel’s fixation on apocalyptic scenarios reveals less about looming biblical prophecy than about the anxiety of a tech elite resisting limits on capital and code at a moment when public pressure for accountability is rapidly growing.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 4 Feb. 2026
Viewers catch glimpses of a harsh post-apocalyptic landscape and new survivors as Xavier navigates the dangers of the world above.
—Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 29 Jan. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for apocalyptic
Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 4 Feb. 2026
Some critics counter that Thiel’s fixation on apocalyptic scenarios reveals less about looming biblical prophecy than about the anxiety of a tech elite resisting limits on capital and code at a moment when public pressure for accountability is rapidly growing.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 4 Feb. 2026
Viewers catch glimpses of a harsh post-apocalyptic landscape and new survivors as Xavier navigates the dangers of the world above.
—Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 29 Jan. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for apocalyptic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apocalyptic
Adjective
-
The climactic fireworks, to which the script has been building for almost all of the 76-minute running time, arrive too late, with too little differentiation from the rest of the visuals.—
Murtada Elfadl,
Variety,
18 Feb. 2026
-
One unusual choice presents a climactic murder only in a photo seen decades later, along with articles defaming the victim.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Though leadership frequently reverts to spreadsheets and manual processes during critical situations, this ultimately reveals the lack of true operational visibility.—
William Jones,
Miami Herald,
24 Feb. 2026
-
Jones will be a critical figure in improving USC’s interior and developing Stewart.—
Ryan Kartje,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
That matched the consensus forecast but kept the pivotal inflation measure well above the Fed’s 2% target.—
Jeff Cox,
CNBC,
20 Feb. 2026
-
After Clark stepped down on Tuesday because an internal investigation unearthed an inappropriate relationship with a staff member, the union announced on Wednesday that Meyer will take over on an interim basis entering a pivotal year for the future of the sport.—
Andy McCullough,
New York Times,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The Crimson got goals from Samuel Biederwolf, Luke Steen, Jaden Roueche, Grady Kranz, Henry Miller, Matthew Johnson and Wyatt Kuznik in the decisive win.—
Pioneer Press,
Twin Cities,
19 Feb. 2026
-
The vote on Wednesday proved to be more decisive for Meyer.—
Andy McCullough,
New York Times,
19 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
-
In honor of the rich history the property boasts, Casa Cody was designated a Class 1 historic site, Palm Springs’ highest level of historic preservation.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Feb. 2026
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Prototype achieves high capacity and industrial-scale metrics At the core of the prototype is a conductive polymer known as poly(benzodifurandione), or PBFDO.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Former French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin sees a watershed moment for the country.—
Tim Lister,
CNN Money,
21 Feb. 2026
-
The watershed moment marks a turning point for autonomous cars and the evolution of the Cannonball Run.—
Joel Feder,
The Drive,
18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Apocalyptic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apocalyptic. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
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