variants
or cataclysmic
1
as in disastrous
bringing about ruin or misfortune
a cataclysmal decision to plunge the nation into war
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in devastating
causing or tending to cause destruction
a cataclysmal landslide that virtually wiped out the village
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in turbulent
marked by sudden or violent disturbance
the French Revolution was one of the great cataclysmal events in modern history
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cataclysmal
Adjective
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In short, plenty of disastrous events can strike, often with little to no warning.—
Niki Jorgensen,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025 -
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, straining to restore ties with Washington after a disastrous February White House visit, met Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Rome on Sunday on the sidelines of Pope Leo's inauguration.—
Pavel Polityuk,
USA Today,
20 May 2025
Adjective
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At least 7 killed in Missouri A storm that produced a devastating tornado in the St. Louis area Friday afternoon has left at least five people dead and many others injured, according to local authorities.—
Matt Rehbein,
CNN Money,
17 May 2025
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Yes, a lottery pick would have helped this mix, but missing out on the potential for the top of the lottery in 2026 and ’28 could have been just as devastating.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
17 May 2025
Adjective
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Keep in mind, substantial wealth can be created in the market by those who maintain a composed and strategic approach during turbulent times.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2025
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The stakes are high, as the visits take place amid turbulent geopolitical tensions.—
Natasha Turak,
CNBC,
9 May 2025
Adjective
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From cold cases cracked decades later to trials still underway, here are 18 fatal crimes that occurred at colleges and universities.—
Corin Cesaric,
People.com,
18 May 2025
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The killing is Kansas City’s 60th homicide this year, according to data maintained by The Star, which includes fatal police shootings.—
Kendrick Calfee,
Kansas City Star,
17 May 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Cataclysmal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cataclysmal. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
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