Synonyms of cataclysm

cataclysm

noun

ˈka-tə-ˌkli-zəm 

1

as in flood

a great flow of water or of something that overwhelms

an ancient cataclysm that may have been the basis for the Flood described in the Bible

Synonyms & Similar Words

• flood
• torrent
• tide
• inundation
• blizzard
• stream
• avalanche
• deluge
• influx
• flood tide
• overflow
• river
• cataract
• bath
• Niagara
• spate
• waterfall
• alluvion
• cascade
• current
• outflow
• outpouring
• inflow
• cloudburst
• surplus
• flux
• washout
• glut
• discharge
• excess
• flush
• gush
• engulfment
• oversupply
• overabundance
• surfeit
• superfluity
• overage
• superabundance
• overkill
• overmuch

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• drought
• trickle
• drip
• dribble

2

as in disaster

a sudden violent event that brings about great loss or destruction

the earthquake that struck Lisbon in 1755, killing 30,000 people, was one of the greatest cataclysms ever recorded

Synonyms & Similar Words

• disaster
• catastrophe
• apocalypse
• calamity
• tragedy
• collapse
• accident
• crash
• debacle
• upheaval
• fatality
• Armageddon
• casualty
• convulsion
• meltdown
• bloodbath
• doomsday
• misfortune
• blow
• paroxysm
• end-time
• mishap
• misadventure
• mischance
• blast
• double whammy
• one-two

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• windfall
• manna
• godsend

3

as in upheaval

a violent disturbance (as of the political or social order)

a social cataclysm that gave rise to a new world order

Synonyms & Similar Words

• upheaval
• revolution
• earthquake
• unrest
• insurrection
• storm
• convulsion
• revolt
• uprising
• tempest
• turmoil
• tumult
• paroxysm
• rebellion
• eruption
• mutiny
• uproar
• insurgency
• stir
• outbreak
• overthrow
• bouleversement
• outburst
• subversion
• upset
• commotion
• seizure
• spasm
• pandemonium
• to-do
• coil
• row
• squall
• furor
• fit
• hubbub
• rout
• bustle
• trembling
• ruckus
• overturn
• quaking
• hullabaloo
• welter
• rumpus
• stew
• shaking
• flare-up
• furore
• rocking
• bobbery
• ruction
• bluster
• hurly-burly
• fuss
• shindy
• williwaw

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of cataclysm

Nothing better illustrates that AMERICA IS BROKE than how an increase in yields that wouldn’t seem to matter much in most times could spell a cataclysm now that our fiscal state’s so fragile. — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 30 May 2026

Many in the then small circle were models and professionals, drawn to a mix of Eastern philosophy, astrology and New Age thinking—and the belief that a global cataclysm would strike in 1999. — R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026

And up until the end, said Burdett, Foxman was still feeling that obligation, shaped by a cataclysm that for many is becoming a distant memory, when recalled at all. — Andrew Silow-Carroll, Sun Sentinel, 18 May 2026

As with the Dred Scott decision that preceded the Civil War, such a blatantly undemocratic move portends some great cataclysm. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 4 May 2026