disaster

noun

di-ˈza-stər How to pronounce disaster (audio)
Definition of disasternext
1
as in catastrophe
a sudden violent event that brings about great loss or destruction hurricanes are natural disasters

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in failure
something that has failed an utter disaster, the play opened and closed on the same miserable night

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 disaster Two climbers remain missing and the search is ongoing following what the Alpine Club described as one of Pakistan’s deadliest mountaineering disasters. — ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026 At the tail end of December, Amazon Web Services (AWS) experienced a similar disaster when an AI agent deleted and recreated part of its environment, causing a 13-hour disruption. — Imran Aftab, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 In the aftermath of the disaster, dam construction laws were tightened. — Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026 The disaster triggered one of the largest international humanitarian responses in the country’s recent history, with rescue teams arriving from the United States, Mexico, El Salvador, the Dominican Republic and several other nations. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disaster
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disaster
  1. catastrophe
  2. failure
  3. tragedy
  4. disappointment
  5. apocalypse
  6. bust
  7. calamity
Noun
  • The story follows exiled prince Rama (Ranbir Kapoor) and his consort Sita (Sai Pallavi) through exile into catastrophe, as Sita’s abduction at the hands of Ravana (Yash) sets in motion an epic war between righteousness and evil.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 30 July 2026
  • In fact, the war provided the exact lifeline that Putin needed to rescue him from economic catastrophe.
    — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 30 July 2026
Definition of catastrophe
Noun
  • The failures of England’s previous generations were multi-faceted, but how much did the national culture feed into the acceptance of their behaviour?
    — Mark Carey, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
  • These can overwhelm and damage your kidneys, leading to kidney failure.
    — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of failure
Noun
  • There are also now safety measures being proposed along the river to prevent future tragedies.
    — Andrew Ramos, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Following her passing, Jane was the first sibling to hear the news and told her brother and sister of the tragedy.
    — Giovana Gelhoren, InStyle, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of tragedy
Noun
  • And ultimately, the deepest disappointment comes from realizing that one of modern studio comedy’s sharpest romantic observers has confused awareness for insight, and in the process, left his most devoted fans behind.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Much to the disappointment of those fans who hoped to see Welbeck wear United’s shirt again, the club never showed any indication of pursuing him this summer.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of disappointment
Noun
  • While his beloved character didn’t outlive the zombie apocalypse, his romance with Pak bloomed.
    — Adrianne Reece, InStyle, 28 July 2026
  • The widow certainly has not had a lot to smile about in the zombie apocalypse, and definitely not to the man who brutally murdered her husband.
    — Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 27 July 2026
Definition of apocalypse
Noun
  • Most obviously, if IBM is so innovative, why have its own blockchain efforts proven a bust, and why is its broader business strategy in tatters?
    — Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 3 Aug. 2026
  • There is a parade Saturday morning in Canton, followed by the enshrinement ceremony at noon, where his bust will also be unveiled.
    — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of bust
Noun
  • Yoon drew extensively on these themes in his earlier works—most recently in the novel Run Me to Earth and the Story Prize–winning collection The Hive and the Honey—and his oeuvre depicts war’s psychological and material calamities.
    — Rachel Vorona Cote, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026
  • But his avuncular encouragement of Tony in what could be absolute folly brings real heart to this section — until calamity intrudes.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 29 July 2026
Definition of calamity

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disassociating
disaster
disasters
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Cite this Entry

“Disaster.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disaster. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of disaster for Spanish Speakers

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