as in disastrous
bringing about ruin or misfortune
a catastrophic tornado destroyed the hamlet's only house of worship
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Recent Examples of catastrophic
Though not as big or catastrophic as the asteroid theorized to have wiped out the dinosaurs 66 million years ago, Apophis would cause widespread destruction up to several hundred kilometers from its impact site.
—
Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2026
Through skilled diplomacy, a catastrophic war was avoided.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 16 Apr. 2026
But following his catastrophic trip to Tanzania, McCann’s problems now run much deeper than his crypto fortunes.
—Jack Kubinec, Fortune, 16 Apr. 2026
Barring another catastrophic injury, Acuña could easily demand an average annual value of, say, $35 million or $40 million on the free market.
—Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 15 Apr. 2026
In the event of a Chinese invasion, the global fight for control of Taiwan’s semiconductor industry would have potentially catastrophic consequences internationally.
—Michelle Kuo, The Dial, 14 Apr. 2026
The legislation, known as the ALERT Act, would require aircraft operating in busy or controlled airspace to use systems that help pilots track nearby planes and helicopters more precisely — a capability federal safety officials have long said could prevent catastrophic collisions.
—Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2026
The reader who pauses for breath, after this recitation of horrors, is soon rewarded by being plunged into a yet more catastrophic mire.
—Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
The state imposed its first-ever statewide water restrictions and faced catastrophic wildfires, including the Valley Fire, which destroyed nearly 2,000 structures—events that drove widespread losses and disrupted insurance markets.
—Scott Wiener, Oc Register, 12 Apr. 2026
Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2026
Through skilled diplomacy, a catastrophic war was avoided.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 16 Apr. 2026
But following his catastrophic trip to Tanzania, McCann’s problems now run much deeper than his crypto fortunes.
—Jack Kubinec, Fortune, 16 Apr. 2026
Barring another catastrophic injury, Acuña could easily demand an average annual value of, say, $35 million or $40 million on the free market.
—Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 15 Apr. 2026
In the event of a Chinese invasion, the global fight for control of Taiwan’s semiconductor industry would have potentially catastrophic consequences internationally.
—Michelle Kuo, The Dial, 14 Apr. 2026
The legislation, known as the ALERT Act, would require aircraft operating in busy or controlled airspace to use systems that help pilots track nearby planes and helicopters more precisely — a capability federal safety officials have long said could prevent catastrophic collisions.
—Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2026
The reader who pauses for breath, after this recitation of horrors, is soon rewarded by being plunged into a yet more catastrophic mire.
—Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
The state imposed its first-ever statewide water restrictions and faced catastrophic wildfires, including the Valley Fire, which destroyed nearly 2,000 structures—events that drove widespread losses and disrupted insurance markets.
—Scott Wiener, Oc Register, 12 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for catastrophic
Adjective
-
Sure, after the Epstein scandal and that disastrous interview, Andrew was forced to step down as working royal.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
12 Apr. 2026
-
McIlroy led by six strokes after 36 holes but entered Sunday tied for first after a disastrous third round.—
Kayla Hayempour,
NBC news,
12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
However, the company confirmed the leaking line was installed in the early 1970s — the same era as the pipe involved in the fatal 1997 blast.—
Lexi Salazar,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
-
In July 2024, a Santa Fe judge dismissed the involuntary manslaughter case against Baldwin, 68, for the fatal shooting after ruling that the prosecution concealed evidence from his legal team.—
Tracy Wright,
FOXNews.com,
14 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Mikey never ended up doing anything beyond flirting, but his unfortunate turn of phrase was all Sydney needed to begin exploring her options in the villa.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 Apr. 2026
-
The Charlotte Hornets received an unfortunate reminder Friday night in their last home game of the regular season.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Catastrophic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/catastrophic. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.
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