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

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

These cataclysms locked inside the Delaware Basin more than 46 billion barrels of technically recoverable crude oil, and 281 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. — Literary Hub, 30 Apr. 2026

Every play in the Century Cycle has its roots in the cataclysm of enslavement, but Joe Turner takes place with Reconstruction still close in the rearview. — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 26 Apr. 2026