as in disastrous
bringing about ruin or misfortune
a catastrophic tornado destroyed the hamlet's only house of worship
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of catastrophic
Western North Carolina was slammed in 2024 with catastrophic flooding from Hurricane Helene, and Edwards has been grilled by both Democrats and Republicans for slow delivery of recovery funds.
—
Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 4 Mar. 2026
In addition to unleashing intense winds, Melissa produced catastrophic flooding, destructive storm surge and widespread economic devastation.
—Jacqueline Charles, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Mar. 2026
Many households pair catastrophic coverage with protection against daily mechanical realities.
—Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 4 Mar. 2026
The results will be catastrophic.
—Sean Camacho, Denver Post, 4 Mar. 2026
Smith ran the defensive deployment during last year’s catastrophic first-round playoff exit and throughout this season, and Game 1 of his tenure was not materially different on that front than Hiller’s final appearance.
—Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 4 Mar. 2026
Ghetts collided with Tamang, a 20-year-old Nepalese student, at speed in excess of 60mph on a residential road, causing catastrophic, fatal injuries.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 3 Mar. 2026
This can lead to catastrophic costs for the air power attacker.
—Richard Hall, Time, 3 Mar. 2026
In reality, a moon-sized body approaching that closely would trigger catastrophic gravitational effects long before collision.
—Alan Bradley, Space.com, 2 Mar. 2026
Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 4 Mar. 2026
In addition to unleashing intense winds, Melissa produced catastrophic flooding, destructive storm surge and widespread economic devastation.
—Jacqueline Charles, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Mar. 2026
Many households pair catastrophic coverage with protection against daily mechanical realities.
—Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 4 Mar. 2026
The results will be catastrophic.
—Sean Camacho, Denver Post, 4 Mar. 2026
Smith ran the defensive deployment during last year’s catastrophic first-round playoff exit and throughout this season, and Game 1 of his tenure was not materially different on that front than Hiller’s final appearance.
—Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 4 Mar. 2026
Ghetts collided with Tamang, a 20-year-old Nepalese student, at speed in excess of 60mph on a residential road, causing catastrophic, fatal injuries.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 3 Mar. 2026
This can lead to catastrophic costs for the air power attacker.
—Richard Hall, Time, 3 Mar. 2026
In reality, a moon-sized body approaching that closely would trigger catastrophic gravitational effects long before collision.
—Alan Bradley, Space.com, 2 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for catastrophic
Adjective
-
And as someone who has done this a long time, Musselman understands that the responsibility for the team’s disastrous stretch run ultimately falls squarely on his shoulders.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Noem’s dissmissal comes after she was berated by lawmakers on Capitol Hill over a series of disastrous blunders by her department, including the killings of two American citizens by border patrol agents in Minneapolis and apparent attempts by DHS to stifle investigations into the shootings.—
Emily Zemler,
Rolling Stone,
6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The man’s death marks Kansas City’s 24th homicide of 2026, compared to 26 at this time last year, according to data tracked by The Star, which includes fatal police shootings.—
Caroline Zimmerman,
Kansas City Star,
11 Mar. 2026
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According to the city's police department, the fatal accident occurred at 1990 S Flamingo Road.—
Ana Maria Soler,
CBS News,
10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Celta’s experienced striker Borja Iglesias equalized for the home side with his third goal in four games after 25 minutes, and strike partner Iago Aspas was unfortunate to see his shot come back off the post with two minutes remaining as both sides pushed for a winner.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
6 Mar. 2026
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This time round, though, an unfortunate silliness sometimes creeps in, where the film risks tipping over Shakespearean-size emotions into embarrassing bathos.—
Miriam Balanescu,
IndieWire,
5 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Catastrophic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/catastrophic. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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