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
In one climactic scene, while on an interfaith panel discussion, their argument overwhelms the event.
—
Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 1 June 2025
There’s a desperation in his cheerfulness, but also, as revealed in a climactic scene, a refusal to give in to life’s cruelties.
—Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 6 June 2025
The film's climactic moments involve a lengthy stunt sequence on a train, where, after a perilous fight with Gabriel, Ethan and the team finally get both halves of the key.
—EW.com, 21 May 2025
Michaels, 35, was playing a foot soldier in the White Walkers’ army of the dead during a climactic battle sequence in The Long Night, the pivotal third episode in Season 8.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for climactic
Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 1 June 2025
There’s a desperation in his cheerfulness, but also, as revealed in a climactic scene, a refusal to give in to life’s cruelties.
—Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 6 June 2025
The film's climactic moments involve a lengthy stunt sequence on a train, where, after a perilous fight with Gabriel, Ethan and the team finally get both halves of the key.
—EW.com, 21 May 2025
Michaels, 35, was playing a foot soldier in the White Walkers’ army of the dead during a climactic battle sequence in The Long Night, the pivotal third episode in Season 8.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for climactic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for climactic
Adjective
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Spielberg deftly mixes in real-life post-9/11 anxiety to this end-of-the-world story to create something that feels legitimately apocalyptic.—
Tim Grierson,
Vulture,
20 June 2025
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Villarreal: Inherent to this apocalyptic event is this idea of starting over, starting fresh and trying to correct some of the mistakes or errors of the past.—
Yvonne Villarreal,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2025
Adjective
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These three organizations were pivotal to Hurricane Helene relief efforts and continue to help the community rebuild.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
24 June 2025
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Amid the slide in the polls with millennials, the president has faced numerous pivotal moments in his second administration thus far.—
Anna Commander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 June 2025
Adjective
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The lasting impact of the 1953 coup While the U.S. and Iran have butt heads over a range of issues since the 1979 revolution and hostage crisis, including years of strife over Iran’s nuclear program, the 1953 coup remains a critical event still invoked in modern Iran.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
24 June 2025
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The honorees will receive grants of up to $110,000 annually for up to five years to conduct research on critical topics in neuroscience, cancer, immunology and pain.—
Noah Lyons,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 June 2025
Adjective
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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
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Macerating unripe climacteric fruit in sugar, however, isn’t a substitute for ripening them; that just takes time in your kitchen counter’s fruit basket.—
Bill St. John,
The Denver Post,
8 May 2017
Adjective
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Iran came to Russia’s aid in its war with Ukraine, playing a decisive role through supplying the model for its cheap and effective Shahed drones, which Russia has used to significant effect.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
19 June 2025
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There’s an actual path to decisive success, and that can change the political calculus in Washington.—
Efrat Lachter,
FOXNews.com,
19 June 2025
Adjective
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The 34-year-old Argentine goalkeeper wasn’t overworked, as Rayados’ defensive shape only gave him 10 shots on target to deal with across the three contests, but his stops were crucial.—
The Athletic Staff,
New York Times,
28 June 2025
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While a 5% death rate for F1 drivers seems frighteningly high, there’s a crucial caveat: a majority of the fatalities took place in the ‘50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s.—
Sean Gregory,
Time,
27 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Climactic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/climactic. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
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