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
Drone footage showed catastrophic flooding that turned streets into rivers, submerged homes and overturned cars as Typhoon Kalmaegi, known locally as Tino, dumped more than a month’s worth of rain in only 24 hours in some areas.
—
Helen Regan, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025
However, this approach defeats the primary purpose of insurance, which is to protect against catastrophic costs in the event of an unexpected medical crisis.
—Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
The former Indianapolis Colts owner didn’t want anyone to miss his message following the Colts’ catastrophic end-of-season collapse that was punctuated by a 26-11 loss to the 3-14 Jaguars.
—James Boyd, New York Times, 5 Nov. 2025
Continue reading … FIERY DISASTER – Dramatic video shows 'catastrophic' UPS plane disaster that left at least 7 dead, 11 injured.
—FOXNews.com, 5 Nov. 2025
Unassuming birds may try to nest in their highest branches with sometimes catastrophic results.
—Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 5 Nov. 2025
Trump has called the case one of the most important in the country’s history and said a ruling against him would be catastrophic for the economy.
—Sydney Lake, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2025
Prescribed fires are prevention strategies that help burn through pine needles, leaves and branches that accumulate over time on the ground, which can help prevent catastrophic wildfires, Davila said.
—Sarah Henry, AZCentral.com, 5 Nov. 2025
The latest data confirms catastrophic hunger levels across Darfur.
—David Miliband, Time, 4 Nov. 2025
Helen Regan, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025
However, this approach defeats the primary purpose of insurance, which is to protect against catastrophic costs in the event of an unexpected medical crisis.
—Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
The former Indianapolis Colts owner didn’t want anyone to miss his message following the Colts’ catastrophic end-of-season collapse that was punctuated by a 26-11 loss to the 3-14 Jaguars.
—James Boyd, New York Times, 5 Nov. 2025
Continue reading … FIERY DISASTER – Dramatic video shows 'catastrophic' UPS plane disaster that left at least 7 dead, 11 injured.
—FOXNews.com, 5 Nov. 2025
Unassuming birds may try to nest in their highest branches with sometimes catastrophic results.
—Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 5 Nov. 2025
Trump has called the case one of the most important in the country’s history and said a ruling against him would be catastrophic for the economy.
—Sydney Lake, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2025
Prescribed fires are prevention strategies that help burn through pine needles, leaves and branches that accumulate over time on the ground, which can help prevent catastrophic wildfires, Davila said.
—Sarah Henry, AZCentral.com, 5 Nov. 2025
The latest data confirms catastrophic hunger levels across Darfur.
—David Miliband, Time, 4 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for catastrophic
Adjective
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The spotlight increased after a disastrous interview with CBS to promote the legendary coach’s book.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
9 Nov. 2025
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Second goal breaks Charlotte’s back The second half opened with a disastrous sequence for Charlotte.—
Colin Cerniglia,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Yet a drumbeat of Mamdani’s past statements about Israel did not prove politically fatal in New York City in 2025.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
5 Nov. 2025
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The special explores theories about why the thieves targeted specific displays, who orchestrated this brazen operation and which fatal flaws in their plan ultimately led to their capture.—
Peter White,
Deadline,
5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Liverpool were competitive in the first half, and perhaps unfortunate to see Virgil van Dijk’s equaliser ruled out for interference from an offside position, but City pressed home their advantage through the brilliance of left-winger Jeremy Doku.—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
10 Nov. 2025
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The story takes place at a grand country house where the guests have an unfortunate habit of dying, or nearly dying, under seemingly unrelated circumstances.—
Anna Russell,
New Yorker,
10 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Catastrophic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/catastrophic. Accessed 20 Nov. 2025.
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