cathartic 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of catharticnext
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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cathartic

2 of 2

noun

as in drug
a substance used to induce or speed up the process of defecation Epsom salts, when ingested, act as a cathartic.

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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
Adjective
Thus began a cathartic, multi-year journey of self-discovery that Maddox chronicles in her documentary. — Jake Kring-Schreifels, Time, 22 July 2026 Even in 2026, the category’s identity is anchored in infamous scenes of maiming, torture, and cathartic bloodshed. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 22 July 2026 Cramped by Kate Helen Downey is equal parts science, storytelling, and cathartic comedy about a problem that affects millions but is still treated like a punchline—or worse, ignored entirely. — Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026 For Eddie Howe, being back on Newcastle United’s training pitches in Benton will have been cathartic. — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for cathartic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cathartic
  1. excitable
  2. drug
  3. emotional
  4. purgative
  5. exciting
  6. medication
  7. impressive
  8. medicine
Adjective
  • For perspective, listen to Cubs manager Craig Counsell, who is not exactly excitable or prone to exaggeration.
    — Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 24 July 2026
  • When an excitable teenager cut in front of my dad, Frankenstein — without saying a word — gestured for the kid to be patient and wait, patted my dad on the back and posed for a picture.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 July 2026
Definition of excitable
Noun
  • That includes drug dealing, drug use, any type of violence and then holding people accountable in the criminal justice system, not just releasing people.
    — Tammy Mutasa, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Combs is participating in a drug-abuse rehabilitation program at FCI Fort Dix, while his legal team continues to appeal his conviction and sentence, calling the punishment excessive and seeking acquittal or resentencing.
    — Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of drug
Adjective
  • The Moon enters Gemini and your 4th House of Home and Family, bringing movement to household plans, family messages, private thoughts, or emotional memories.
    — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
  • An emotional vigil was held in Garfield, New Jersey, on Thursday to remember two children who died after being swept into the Passaic River.
    — Andrew Ramos, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of emotional
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
  • The persistent and sickening violence of Detroit could work as a powerful purgative, a corrective medicine for deprogramming those who doubt the reality of police brutality.
    — Josephine Livingstone, New Republic, 8 Aug. 2017
Definition of purgative
Adjective
  • The Spanish royals’ Mallorca trip comes towards the end of an exciting summer, which saw the King, Queen and princesses travel to the United States to watch the Spanish national team win the 2026 World Cup.
    — Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The Chilean duo’s latest only further establishes them as some of the most exciting makers of tangible, macabre visions on the world’s stage.
    — Josh Slater-Williams, IndieWire, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of exciting
Noun
  • The cost of daily life in Lake Stevens, Washington – fuel, groceries, medications and children’s formula – has added up.
    — Natasha Chen, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Presley was hopelessly addicted to prescription medication at this point, dealing with a wide multitude of chronic health disorders.
    — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of medication
Adjective
  • While not as showy or Instagram friendly, how Caminero has matured and improved overall at the plate actually may be more impressive.
    — Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2026
  • But the Big Ten has developed plenty of impressive atmospheres too, with Oregon, Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State and Nebraska leading the way.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of impressive
Noun
  • Things get increasingly bleak, as the family dog’s heart medicine runs out and Jason has to put him out of his misery, and then — in doomsday prepper mode — carves up the body and puts it in the freezer just in case food gets dire.
    — William Earl, Variety, 8 Aug. 2026
  • These specialized pharmacies, which combine raw drug ingredients to create custom medicines, generally provide unique dosage forms for people with special needs.
    — C. Michael White, The Conversation, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of medicine

Browse Nearby Words

catfights
cathartic
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Cite this Entry

“Cathartic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cathartic. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cathartic

Nglish: Translation of cathartic for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cathartic

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