as in excitable
bringing about a relief from strong emotions usually by expressing them
It was very cathartic to finally tell my childhood bully exactly what I thought of him.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
as in drug
a substance used to induce or speed up the process of defecation
Epsom salts, when ingested, act as a cathartic.
Related Words
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 cathartic
Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Oct. 2025
There’s something cathartic about reading about the end of the world.
—Literary Hub, 6 Oct. 2025
Videos circulating on social media depict group cathartic bonding.
—Kelli Arseneau, jsonline.com, 6 Oct. 2025
For Kerr, seeing his story unfold on screen was cathartic not in spite of but because of the actors’ willingness to present the characters at their most emotionally extreme.
—Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cathartic
Adjective
The latter may scoff at the idea of a nostalgic horror movie, but anyone who's had the urge to peek through their fingers as nightmares unfold in front of them knows that fear can be both cathartic and illuminating.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Oct. 2025
There’s something cathartic about reading about the end of the world.
—Literary Hub, 6 Oct. 2025
Videos circulating on social media depict group cathartic bonding.
—Kelli Arseneau, jsonline.com, 6 Oct. 2025
For Kerr, seeing his story unfold on screen was cathartic not in spite of but because of the actors’ willingness to present the characters at their most emotionally extreme.
—Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cathartic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cathartic
Adjective
-
The text is excitable and wayward, while many of the photographs are dramatically dull.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
16 Oct. 2025
-
Pups with excitable and reactive temperaments were especially responsive to on-screen content, suggesting that many canines may interpret moving images much like real-world events.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Warning signs for parents Altman explained that indicators a child has ingested drugs include being lethargic, having bloodshot eyes and not being able to focus on anything.—
Brenda Ordonez,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
14 Oct. 2025
-
As the film explores, Cooper experienced a radical change of heart about his line of work after taking part in a drug bust at a home where young children were present.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
His family said their final goodbyes to him during an emotional funeral procession on July 30, which took place in Birmingham.—
Nicholas Rice,
PEOPLE,
19 Oct. 2025
-
In what ways will his grief manifest this season, and what role will his struggle with sobriety play in his emotional journey?—
Alamin Yohannes,
Entertainment Weekly,
18 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Sales of purgatives, tonics, syrups and patent medicines like Carter’s Little Liver Pills went through the roof as ordinary people were encouraged to closely monitor the frequency and quality of their bowel movements.—
Elsa Richardson,
TIME,
3 Oct. 2024
-
Or merely the tall-tale purgative of a frantic Purgatorian?—
Tom Nolan,
WSJ,
11 June 2021
Adjective
-
What’s exciting is that comedic talent can now receive guidance from Mark and be paired with Todd to go out to the market with a project that’s already vetted and packaged.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
16 Oct. 2025
-
From some exciting new restaurants to great concerts and shows, there is a lot of cool stuff to experience this weekend.—
Randy McMullen,
Mercury News,
16 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Some everyday medications could be impacting your gut health in the long term.—
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
16 Oct. 2025
-
Today, Gucci Mane follows a strict regimen of medication, rest, exercise, and therapy.—
Mankaprr Conteh,
Rolling Stone,
16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Perhaps the most impressive part of his scouting report is his intangibles.—
Dane Brugler,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
-
With more time, detour west for a half-day into tiny Siloam Springs, home to a postcard-charming downtown and impressive kayak park (open year-round; just check the website for current river conditions).—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
15 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
To ensure his son didn’t receive too much or too little of the lifesaving medicine, Damiano checked David’s blood glucose every hour and a half, rain or shine, day or night.—
Carrie Arnold,
Scientific American,
14 Oct. 2025
-
With Other Meals or as an After-Dinner Snack Including apples in any meal is a great idea, according to Anne VanBeber, PhD, RD, LD, a professor in food science and culinary medicine at Texas Christian University.—
Sherri Gordon,
Health,
14 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cathartic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cathartic. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share