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
Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 5 May 2025
The amount of cathartic release that happened to be able to do something so meaningful together this time.
—Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 16 Apr. 2025
Molly Longman, refinery29.com, 11 Jan. 2021
See All Example Sentences for cathartic
Adjective
There’s something undeniably cathartic about a figure as successful as Rogen, who co-created the series, speaking out about Hollywood’s creative cowardice.
—Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 5 May 2025
The amount of cathartic release that happened to be able to do something so meaningful together this time.
—Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 16 Apr. 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
-
Groups of excitable teenage boys waited their turn to play EA FC on a bank of massive flat screen TVs.—
James Montague,
New York Times,
18 May 2025
-
Wisner was an excitable workaholic, like a squirrel pointlessly leaping in all directions.—
Bruce Fein,
Baltimore Sun,
15 May 2025
Noun
-
Indiana’s 15-year pause in executions stemmed largely from difficulty obtaining lethal injection drugs.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
21 May 2025
-
People taking certain drugs should avoid taking turmeric supplements.—
Sarah Bence,
Verywell Health,
21 May 2025
Adjective
-
Melling portrays parking attendant Colin with the thrilling curiosity and emotional depth of a young gay man exploring his sexuality for the first time, while attempting to define his own desires and identity, independent of his much more experienced dom.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
18 May 2025
-
That tension, both emotional and class-based, gave the film a new dynamic.—
Jamie Lang,
Variety,
18 May 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
-
While seemingly indifferent, like Yi-young, Gi-on actually finds the department exciting and wants to stay.—
Kayti Burt,
Time,
19 May 2025
-
There were a variety of topics covered today, including what the ramifications of failing to qualify for the Champions League would be, who should replace Alexander Isak against Everton if the striker is declared unfit, Sean Longstaff's future, and whether exciting, marquee signings will arrive.—
Chris Waugh,
New York Times,
19 May 2025
Noun
-
As pollen peaks for the season, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning that some popular allergy medications could cause a rare but severe itching side effect.—
Melina Khan,
USA Today,
22 May 2025
-
In some instances, someone’s Lp(a) level might help guide medication decisions.—
Stacey Colino,
Time,
22 May 2025
Adjective
-
It’s got a wide range from super fine powdery grains to cracked peppercorns and has impressive output with fewer twists.—
Adam Campbell-Schmitt,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
20 May 2025
-
Throughout the past three seasons, the show has also boasted an impressive roster of A-list guest stars, including Jamie Lee Curtis, Joel McHale, John Mulaney, Bob Odenkirk, Will Poulter, Olivia Colman, Sarah Paulson, Molly Ringwald, John Cena and Josh Hartnett.—
Ethan Shanfeld,
Variety,
20 May 2025
Noun
-
Huntley’s healing came, in part, through nature and plant medicine.—
Stephanie Long,
Essence,
15 May 2025
-
The big three injectable prescription weight loss medicines: Ozempic, Victoza, and Wegovy.—
Kate Knibbs,
Wired News,
15 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cathartic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cathartic. Accessed 27 May. 2025.
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