cataclysm

noun

ˈka-tə-ˌkli-zəm How to pronounce cataclysm (audio)
Definition of cataclysmnext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of cataclysm Such a framework for sci-fi cataclysm is, naturally, Spielberg 101. — ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026 The duration of the cataclysm that was thought might have almost eradicated early humans was likely about 18 months total. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 9 Aug. 2026 And of course, anything living on the site has likely been wiped out by the neighborhood cataclysm. — Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 31 July 2026 Jacobsen has assembled plenty of relevant precedents for an unprecedented cataclysm. — Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 25 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for cataclysm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cataclysm
  1. flood
  2. disaster
  3. upheaval
  4. torrent
  5. catastrophe
  6. revolution
  7. apocalypse
  8. earthquake
Noun
  • That bypass channel will serve as the flood control element of Panther Island.
    — Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Boulder argued the companies and a trade group knew decades ago that fossil fuels would hurt the environment, raising the risk of floods, extreme heat and wildfires.
    — Carrie Johnson, NPR, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of flood
Noun
  • After the storms, Pritzker issued a state disaster proclamation that made additional state resources available for response and recovery, his office said.
    — Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Exhibitors include first responder agencies and non-governmental organizations that showcase new technologies, offer recruitment opportunities, and demonstrate local preparedness and disaster response capabilities.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of disaster
Noun
  • The urgency of their push comes as major European companies undergo huge job losses — Volkswagen plans to cut 100,000 workers — which experts have said could drive political upheaval.
    — Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The turnaround has revived some fans’ hopes, but years of coaching and front-office upheaval and the departure of popular players have eroded trust.
    — Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of upheaval
Noun
  • Such terrain is already conducive to flash flooding, sudden torrents that can sweep down canyons and other low-lying areas with little warning.
    — Megan Janetsky, Chicago Tribune, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Since the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision unleashed unlimited torrents of money into political campaigns, elections are now largely financed by big money donors and super PACs.
    — Dr. Michael Good, Hartford Courant, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of torrent
Noun
  • The top prize there was awarded to The Lake, directed by Abby Ellis, a film exploring the environmental catastrophe posed by the rapidly shrinking Great Salt Lake in Utah.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Mahomes’ rapid recovery from last year’s ACL/LCL catastrophe is great news for Kansas City fans and the NFL’s TV/streaming partners, as he and the Chiefs are slated to pop up in as many as 12 national windows before the playoffs arrive.
    — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of catastrophe
Noun
  • The revolution has been crushed, tens of thousands remain imprisoned, and economic hardship has broken the backs of Egyptians.
    — Abdelrahman ElGendy, Time, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The roots of that revolution were first planted in that warm soil by Cooke, who died in 1997, and Rothenberg six decades ago.
    — Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of revolution
Noun
  • The new series picks up after Korra’s actions, which inadvertently lead to an apocalypse that forces humanity to take refuge in the titular Havens, all of which have visually distinct identities.
    — Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026
  • In addition, there's a killer-looking dark apocalypse comedy and a docuseries about one of the most famous boxers of all time.
    — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of apocalypse
Noun
  • Although television coverage suggested the capital had escaped the widespread structural destruction visible in communities closer to the epicenter, the earthquake caused major disruptions to daily life.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The earthquake's epicenter was roughly 7 miles northeast of Walker Lake and occurred at a depth of 6 miles.
    — CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of earthquake

Browse Nearby Words

catachrestic
cataclysm
cataclysmal
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Cite this Entry

“Cataclysm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cataclysm. Accessed 12 Oct. 2026.

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