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

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

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