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.
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in drug
a substance used to induce or speed up the process of defecation
Epsom salts, when ingested, act as a cathartic.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of cathartic
Leigh Haber, Los Angeles Times, 5 May 2025
That was definitely exhausting to exert that much emotion, but also really cathartic.
—Alison Herman, Variety, 9 May 2025
Molly Longman, refinery29.com, 11 Jan. 2021
See All Example Sentences for cathartic
Adjective
The resident librarian takes Corby under her wing, and invites him to put his artist skills to work by painting a mural, which proves cathartic.
—Leigh Haber, Los Angeles Times, 5 May 2025
That was definitely exhausting to exert that much emotion, but also really cathartic.
—Alison Herman, Variety, 9 May 2025
Noun
Some people find free-writing in a journal cathartic.
—Molly Longman, refinery29.com, 11 Jan. 2021
See All Example Sentences for cathartic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cathartic
Adjective
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The telling of the entire story of America, after all, calls into question the greatness that Donald Trump pledges to restore, and agitates a base that remains threatened and excitable by our multicultural reality.—
Kevin Sack,
Time,
3 June 2025
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Anyone familiar with the world of the Grateful Dead knows that one of the band’s most devoted and excitable fans was the late Bill Walton, the illustrious Hall of Fame NBA center who died in May 2024 at 71.—
David Browne,
Rolling Stone,
15 May 2025
Noun
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Other dangers loom as well, including reductions in disproportionate share hospital payments for safety-net hospitals, declines in medicare reimbursements, and changes in drug pricing that could negatively impact hospitals.—
Michael T. Nietzel,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2025
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Half Prospero, half Gomer Pyle, Wilson abjured his magic and spent much of the following two decades stumbling into mania, depression, and drug abuse, before eventually reemerging into public life and personal prosperity.—
Derek Robertson,
The Washington Examiner,
13 June 2025
Adjective
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Mariah Carey, Jamie Foxx and Kirk Franklin — each of whom the Doggfather personally shouted out during his speech — also took home the same honor, making for emotional moments throughout the four-hour ceremony.—
Hannah Dailey,
Billboard,
10 June 2025
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Beyond Avoidance The Disengagement Continuum Work disengagement represents a psychological state characterized by emotional, cognitive and behavioral withdrawal from work roles.—
Jonathan H. Westover,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
Noun
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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
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Or merely the tall-tale purgative of a frantic Purgatorian?—
Tom Nolan,
WSJ,
11 June 2021
Adjective
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From Canada to Milan, it’s been a journey filled with creativity, intensity, and some of the most exciting food this show has ever seen.—
Buddha Lo,
People.com,
13 June 2025
-
Selecting many of the most exciting and highest-quality titles from Latin America, the Focus will underscore the breadth and vibrancy of the region’s animation output, plus current artistic and market trends.—
John Hopewell,
Variety,
12 June 2025
Noun
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Innovent Biologics gained +14% after the first phase of a trial of its new obesity medication.—
Brendan Ahern,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
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This means nurses can focus their energy on what matters most – caring for patients – while robots handle tasks such as delivering medication or guiding visitors around the hospital.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
4 June 2025
Adjective
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Latu stood out in that capacity, as the 6-foot-7, 244-pound tight end showed impressive athleticism and route running for his size, and seemed very natural catching the ball.—
Joe Buscaglia,
New York Times,
13 June 2025
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The print is bold and easy to spot amongst other luggage, while the impressive craftsmanship will keep the bag itself looking brand new for many trips to come.—
Quincy Bulin,
Better Homes & Gardens,
13 June 2025
Noun
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Vitale, who is planning a career in medicine, received the award in New Hampshire with former Chargers coach Chris Pincince, who was let go in May after the move to Division I, there in support.—
Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
7 June 2025
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David Geier, who has no medical or scientific background and holds only a bachelor's degree, was disciplined for practicing medicine without a license.—
Beth Mole,
ArsTechnica,
6 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cathartic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cathartic. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
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