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
Like its previous iterations, The Naked Gun builds to a grand comic finale, though this one never quite achieves the climactic delirium of the original.
—
Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 30 July 2025
On the Big Island, 75 stunt performers gathered on the black lava fields of Kalapana to film one of the series’ climactic battles.
—Jp Mangalindan, Time, 1 Aug. 2025
The item, used in the climactic battle of both The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, is the crown jewel in the Propstore sale.
—Simon Thompson, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
All of the psychological tension attempted in the beginning makes way for a climactic bloodbath worthy of Freddy Krueger, robbing the film of a satisfying conclusion.
—Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for climactic
Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 30 July 2025
On the Big Island, 75 stunt performers gathered on the black lava fields of Kalapana to film one of the series’ climactic battles.
—Jp Mangalindan, Time, 1 Aug. 2025
The item, used in the climactic battle of both The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, is the crown jewel in the Propstore sale.
—Simon Thompson, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
All of the psychological tension attempted in the beginning makes way for a climactic bloodbath worthy of Freddy Krueger, robbing the film of a satisfying conclusion.
—Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for climactic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for climactic
Adjective
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In his latest skirmish, with U.S. President Donald Trump, Medvedev boasted about Russia’s apocalyptic nuclear attack system, in a tirade that infuriated the American leader.—
Kevin Holden Platt,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
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But for nearly three decades, the show has maintained a consistent posture of apocalyptic cynicism.—
Nicholas Quah,
Vulture,
7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Indian officials have recently refuted Trump’s claims of the U.S. playing a pivotal role in ending a conflict with Pakistan in May.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
8 Aug. 2025
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The History of Tech Companies Upskilling Society Looking back at the computer literacy boom of the 1970s and 2000s, tech giants like IBM and Microsoft played pivotal roles, not just by providing tools and resources but by fostering partnerships with educational institutions.—
Gerui Wang,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The collapse of the Oxbow Bridge, which linked Cibola in La Paz County to California, poses a serious threat to public health and safety and has cut off a critical access route between the two states, the La Paz County Board of Supervisors said.—
Wren Smetana,
AZCentral.com,
9 Aug. 2025
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Colwill’s unflappable assurance was critical to the team’s success in playing out from the back through intense pressure.—
Liam Twomey,
New York Times,
8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Keeping high-ethylene producers away from climacteric fruits can keep them from ripening too quickly.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
15 July 2025
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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
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Weapons took decisive care of its competition for a second week in a row at the box office.—
Ryan Coleman,
EW.com,
17 Aug. 2025
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Against the Packers, Fields was decisive after taking what the defense gave him, completing 3-of-4 passes and rushing for a touchdown.—
Antwan Staley,
New York Daily News,
17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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As a crucial defense against damage from storms, a strong roof has always had elevated importance in Miami and Broward.—
CD Goette-Luciak,
Miami Herald,
14 Aug. 2025
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This is a crucial time in terms of preparing for fantasy football domination.—
Jim Reineking,
USA Today,
14 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Climactic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/climactic. Accessed 24 Aug. 2025.
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