CULMINATING Synonyms: 46 Similar and Opposite Words

culminating 1 of 2

adjective

as in crowning

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Dissimilar Words

culminating

2 of 2

verb

present participle of culminate

as in finishing

to bring to a triumphant conclusion culminated the school year with a trip to New York

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 culminating

Verb

These students would eventually become the kernel of domestic opposition to Yahya and his policies, culminating in his assassination in 1948. — Manfred W. Wenner, Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 Nov. 2026 The finalists will work with Tiffany’s design team to develop their own interpretations of the house’s design codes, culminating in presentations to a selection committee. — Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 10 Nov. 2026 Florida gained 42 of 61 yards on the ground during a 10-play drive, culminating with a 15-yard touchdown scamper by Jadan Baugh — his 14th touchdown this season. — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Nov. 2026 That was the other big note Raman incessantly hit during her campaign, culminating in her election night speech at the Greek. — Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026 Kylie's disappearance had triggered a wide federal and state investigation that led officials through dozens of unconfirmed sightings before culminating in her recovery on Sunday. — Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2026 Patients largely avoided drug, with the whole episode culminating in investigations by the media and Congress that demonstrated improper pressure by the manufacturer on the FDA leading to the approval decision. — C. Joseph Ross Daval, STAT, 30 Oct. 2026 Saturday’s events included the raising of the Nishan Sahib, the Sikh flag, and scripture readings that were scheduled to continue throughout the weekend, culminating in Sunday’s parade. — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 30 Oct. 2026 This would eat into profit margins, potentially culminating in retail closures. — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for culminating

Adjective

Anne Hathaway Anne Hathaway supported Digger on Letterboxd, giving the movie five stars and the crowning achievement of being her first review ever.

— Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026
President Nelson Mandela presented the trophy to the home captain, Francois Pienaar, the crowning moment of a story that Clint Eastwood made into a Hollywood film, Invictus, in 2009.

— Daniel Gallan, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of crowning

Verb

On average, 83 percent of IFM students are employed within one year of finishing their studies, Romatet said.

— Miles Socha, Footwear News, 2 Nov. 2026
Despite limiting the conference’s top rushing attack, FIU struggled to prevent Liberty from finishing drives, turning a promising defensive statistic into a glaring weakness.

— Alejandro Hernandez, Miami Herald, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of finishing

Adjective

At the climactic moment when Odysseus returns, Penelope wears a blue dress that serves as her armor.

— Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 1 Nov. 2026
While not a horror film, per se, Spielberg liberally employs the language of the genre, particularly in this climactic moment.

— Vulture Editors, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of climactic

Verb

Willis, meanwhile, was lights out in the period, completing 77% of his passes for 90 yards and a touchdown.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 2 Nov. 2026
The Buccaneers became the first team in 52 years to play a game without completing a pass — Mayfield was 0 for 3 in a driving rainstorm.

— Rob Maaddi, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of completing

Adjective

But that was before a fateful meeting forced him to look at the genetic material in a different way, and realize that with the right manipulation, mRNA provided a way to make drugs that were never possible with existing strategies.

— Time, Time, 12 Nov. 2026
That fateful Thursday is approaching — the day when millions of American families gather in their homes for a traditional fall harvest meal, sometimes with a side dish of awkwardness and argument.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Nov. 2026

Definition of fateful

Verb

Wallen will play two nights in all locations, including stops at Columbus’ Ohio Stadium, Texas’ AT&T Stadium and more, before concluding at Tennessee’s Nissan Stadium on August 27 and 28.

— Greg Evans, Deadline, 12 Nov. 2026
In March, a federal judge ordered above-ground work on the ballroom to stop, concluding the project likely required congressional authorization.

— Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Nov. 2026

Definition of concluding

Verb

When that reboot faltered, climaxing in a nightmarish season-14 finale, RHONY got another, softer reboot in the form of all but three cast members being fired.

— Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 4 Nov. 2026
Bloody, disturbing, shocking, and entertaining as hell, the Ghost Ship opening couldn’t be any more different from the absolute slog that follows it, climaxing on a muddled and overly complicated ending.

— Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 15 June 2026

Definition of climaxing

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“Culminating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/culminating. Accessed 15 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of culminating

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

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