catastrophe

noun

kə-ˈta-strə-(ˌ)fē How to pronounce catastrophe (audio)
Definition of catastrophenext
1
as in disaster
a sudden violent event that brings about great loss or destruction more than one natural catastrophe has threatened to destroy their farm over the years

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2
as in failure
something that has failed the movie was a catastrophe, nearly bankrupting the studio that produced it

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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 catastrophe The film is directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu and also stars Riz Ahmed, John Goodman and Sandra Hüller and follows Digger, whose company causes a potential global catastrophe. — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 27 Oct. 2026 Its own models going rogue or causing catastrophe The filing says that advanced AI systems pose existential risks particularly if they are misused, weaponized, or allowed to operate with high autonomy. — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 26 Oct. 2026 Without an authoritative accounting, Eisenkot argues, the country cannot fully reckon with the catastrophe. — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 25 Oct. 2026 The agency’s broadcast hoax policy prohibits stations from broadcasting false information about a crime or catastrophe. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for catastrophe
Recent Examples of Synonyms for catastrophe
  1. disaster
  2. failure
  3. tragedy
  4. apocalypse
  5. calamity
Noun
  • Spain’s second high-speed rail disaster this year, in which one train struck another from behind, killing 69 people, has raised fresh concerns about the safety of the country’s rail network ahead of a national election.
    — Joseph Wilson, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
  • The new rail disaster can't help the prospects of his Socialist party.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of disaster
Noun
  • Even if Theranos had a functioning testing machine, the economic model on which is was based would result in failure.
    — Torie Bosch, STAT, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Even among voters who want Republicans to retain control, 17% cited weak AI and data center oversight — second only to a failure to bring down prices.
    — Luke Fountain, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of failure
Noun
  • Across medicine, physicians need support to carry the profound emotional burdens of helping patients and families through tragedy.
    — Robert M. Kinast, STAT, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Many workplaces can identify warning signs early and potentially stop a tragedy while also taking additional steps.
    — Justin Klawans, TheWeek, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of tragedy
Noun
  • There are some apocalypses, the song seems to suggest, where no redemptive beauty can be found.
    — Marissa Lorusso, Pitchfork, 28 Oct. 2026
  • As critics have noted, though both Soares and Yudkowsky have spent much time fretting about an AI apocalypse, there’s no consensus that such a future is even possible — let alone probable.
    — Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of apocalypse
Noun
  • As the guests attempt to keep up appearances, the celebrations descend into a day of calamity, hilarity and unexpected connections.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Anything that seems relatively unimportant, like who sits on what dais, becomes the calamity of the century.
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of calamity

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cat (around)
catastrophe
catastrophes
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Cite this Entry

“Catastrophe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/catastrophe. Accessed 4 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on catastrophe

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about catastrophe

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