Synonym Chooser

How does the noun culmination differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of culmination are acme, apex, climax, peak, pinnacle, and summit. While all these words mean "the highest point attained or attainable," culmination suggests the outcome of a growth or development representing an attained objective.

the culmination of years of effort

When would acme be a good substitute for culmination?

The synonyms acme and culmination are sometimes interchangeable, but acme implies a level of quality representing the perfection of a thing.

a statue that was once deemed the acme of beauty

Where would apex be a reasonable alternative to culmination?

The meanings of apex and culmination largely overlap; however, apex implies the point where all ascending lines converge.

the apex of Dutch culture

When is it sensible to use climax instead of culmination?

The words climax and culmination are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, climax implies the highest point in an ascending series.

the war was the climax to a series of hostile actions

When could peak be used to replace culmination?

The words peak and culmination can be used in similar contexts, but peak suggests the highest among other high points.

an artist working at the peak of her powers

When might pinnacle be a better fit than culmination?

Although the words pinnacle and culmination have much in common, pinnacle suggests a dizzying and often insecure height.

the pinnacle of worldly success

When can summit be used instead of culmination?

While in some cases nearly identical to culmination, summit implies the topmost level attainable.

at the summit of the Victorian social scene

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 culmination Your worth is the culmination of everything that supports your meaningful, powerful existence. Jacqueleen Clark-Crittle, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025 The deal, and company launch, are the culmination of a 30-year partnership in Hollywood, where Forte and LeFauve have written for such actors as Jodie Foster and Harrison Ford and for many studios, including Pixar, Fox, Netflix Animation, Warner Brothers and Paramount. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 17 June 2025 For Walgreens, going private is the culmination of an epic fall from grace. Phil Wahba, Fortune, 17 June 2025 Their presence is the culmination of a decade-long project under Schmetzer, the latest big game for a club well-accustomed to the spotlight. Jeff Rueter, New York Times, 8 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for culmination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for culmination
Noun
  • As far back as a decade ago, when Villeneuve was on the promotion trail for Sicario, the Canadian said that action is art — and Bond is the very pinnacle of the genre.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 26 June 2025
  • Whether your passion is for Oregon’s superlative Pinot noir or California’s world-class Bordeaux blends, these wines are truly at the pinnacle of American winemaking.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • For such a humanist filmmaker, Boyle reached his zenith by pondering us at our lowest point.
    Tim Grierson, Vulture, 20 June 2025
  • The band had reached its zenith, with Beatlemania-size crowds greeting them in Australia and Canada, and significant success cracking the American market.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 9 June 2025
Noun
  • Once the grill top gets nice and hot, use your now-clean brush to make one more pass across the grates.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 June 2025
  • At the top of that class is the Flower Pot Fountain, which sends leaf- or flower-like clusters of sparks sprouting in different directions.
    Ethan Wolin, Sacbee.com, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • But one who does not consistently reach such heights is Alfred Caldwell.
    Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 24 June 2025
  • In 2022, Rotterdam’s historic De Hef bridge was temporarily dismantled to accommodate the yacht Before Bezos set sail on Koru, a historic bridge in the Netherlands needed to be temporarily altered to accommodate the yacht's height.
    Caroline Blair, People.com, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • Google Trends data from April to May 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, showed a worldwide peak in online searches for dog adoption, up to 250% higher than typical trends for early pandemic months.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 June 2025
  • Located in New Hampshire’s White Mountain National Forest, Mount Washington is the tallest peak in the northeastern United States.
    Owen Clarke, Outside Online, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • Game 5s are the beginning of the climax in a close series.
    Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 17 June 2025
  • This is the literal last day of the shoot, which also unfortunately is the climax of Episode 10.
    William Earl, Variety, 12 June 2025
Noun
  • These special flagships are at the apex of its retail strategy and network of 364 points of sale.
    Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 18 June 2025
  • Trusted advisors are the apex of the professional class.
    Mark A. Cohen, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Culmination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/culmination. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on culmination

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