as in apocalyptic
of, relating to, or being a major turning point
the French Revolution is usually regarded as one of the climactic events in modern European history
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Recent Examples of climactic
But despite the anti-climactic developments of Tuesday, there is still a very real chance that James' tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers comes to an end by this time next year, if not before then.
—
MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025
During a climactic confrontation on campus, Maggie, in a pique of outrage, slaps Alma across the face—something that Roberts insisted Edebiri do for real.
—Marley Marius, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2025
Another tells of what happened to Shihirlis, the lovelorn thief played by Kilmer in the 1995 movie, in the aftermath of the first movie’s climactic robbery, and his multiyear quest to reunite with his former girlfriend (who was played by Judd in the original).
—Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2025
Even diligent Webberheads will need to overlook certain gaffes, like a hero who seems to have tied himself up in a climactic moment and a Stygian lair well marked with glowing Exit signs.
—Vince Aletti, New Yorker, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for climactic
MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025
During a climactic confrontation on campus, Maggie, in a pique of outrage, slaps Alma across the face—something that Roberts insisted Edebiri do for real.
—Marley Marius, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2025
Another tells of what happened to Shihirlis, the lovelorn thief played by Kilmer in the 1995 movie, in the aftermath of the first movie’s climactic robbery, and his multiyear quest to reunite with his former girlfriend (who was played by Judd in the original).
—Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2025
Even diligent Webberheads will need to overlook certain gaffes, like a hero who seems to have tied himself up in a climactic moment and a Stygian lair well marked with glowing Exit signs.
—Vince Aletti, New Yorker, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for climactic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for climactic
Adjective
-
This isn’t to say writer and director Mary Bronstein’s film, about the agonizing deterioration of a woman whose life is falling down around her in near-apocalyptic fashion, isn’t worth watching.—
Bill Goodykoontz,
AZCentral.com,
18 Oct. 2025
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Look no further than Reeves’s performance as the Dream, a cult leader who oversees the only semblance of civilization in this post-apocalyptic world.—
Tim Grierson,
Vulture,
18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Hoover helped the offense convert two pivotal third downs on the decisive drive late in the fourth quarter as the Horned Frogs took over six minutes off the clock before McCashland’s field goal.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
26 Oct. 2025
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In 1946-47, the Ruoccos played a pivotal role in founding a multidisciplinary artists’ organization called the Allied Artists Council, a subgroup of which, the Allied Craftsmen, has a vibrant membership and active presence in the community after nearly 80 years.—
Michael James Rocha,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Black Americans were at a critical juncture.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Oct. 2025
-
After the war, Riefenstahl’s career included invitations to film festivals and critical praise, a lovely lake home in Bavaria, and snarling attacks on anyone who questioned her lies.—
Sally Jenkins,
The Atlantic,
27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Keeping high-ethylene producers away from climacteric fruits can keep them from ripening too quickly.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
15 July 2025
-
For this reader, roughly the same age as Sam Raymond, there is uncommon pleasure in the paradoxes of this climacteric tale.—
Claire Messud,
Harper's Magazine,
22 June 2021
Adjective
-
Chicago won in its return to the postseason for the first time since 2017 – and advanced for the first time since reaching the Eastern Conference final in 2009 – by virtue of a decisive 3-1 win over Orlando City.—
Avi Creditor,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
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New York City mayoral candidates Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa tried to land a decisive blow against Zohran Mamdani in the last debate before early voting began.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
That’s why career development conversations play such a crucial role.—
Fortune Editors,
Fortune,
23 Oct. 2025
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That Episode 5 car ride is arguably the series’ most crucial scene, and the dialogue about the vagrant bird its most poignant.—
Chris O'Falt,
IndieWire,
23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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There’s work to be done, certainly, but this is a watershed moment for anyone paying attention.—
Boston Herald editorial staff,
Boston Herald,
14 Oct. 2025
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Transgender people were particularly targeted for harassment, Miss Major said in the USA TODAY interview, recalling the night of the raid, now regarded as a watershed moment in LGBTQ+ history and American history.—
Michael Collins,
USA Today,
14 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Climactic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/climactic. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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