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
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Recent Examples of disaster
This is a travesty and a heartbreaking disaster.
—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 May 2026
But when McDaniels missed games down the stretch of the regular season, the Wolves were largely a disaster.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 7 May 2026
But the process of applying for that help can be onerous, and often requires disaster survivors to spend days filing paperwork.
—Lauren Sommer, NPR, 7 May 2026
Emergency managers, local leaders, nonprofits involved with disaster management and survivor groups have anxiously awaited the council’s report, which was due roughly six months ago but was delayed as former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and council members clashed over drafts.
—ABC News, 7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for disaster
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 May 2026
But when McDaniels missed games down the stretch of the regular season, the Wolves were largely a disaster.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 7 May 2026
But the process of applying for that help can be onerous, and often requires disaster survivors to spend days filing paperwork.
—Lauren Sommer, NPR, 7 May 2026
Emergency managers, local leaders, nonprofits involved with disaster management and survivor groups have anxiously awaited the council’s report, which was due roughly six months ago but was delayed as former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and council members clashed over drafts.
—ABC News, 7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for disaster
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disaster
Noun
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There's a gut-punching element of tragedy, too, as Loki kills his real father, Laufey (Colm Feore), then appears to plummet to his own death in the final act.—
Sergio Pereira,
Space.com,
6 May 2026
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Years later, tragedy would only deepen the family’s understanding of what nursing and caring mean.—
Nancy Badertscher,
AJC.com,
6 May 2026
Noun
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Their bite can lead to rapid respiratory failure and paralysis without prompt medical treatment.—
Bonny Chu,
FOXNews.com,
29 Apr. 2026
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Doe alleges the school’s failure to act caused long-term emotional and psychological harm that continues today.—
Lexi Nicklaus,
Baltimore Sun,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Ellie and Joel’s trek through the post-apocalypse remains a somber meditation on loss and brutal human nature.—
George Yang,
PC Magazine,
1 May 2026
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The movie stars Austin Abrams, who also starred in Weapons, as a courier who unexpectedly finds himself in the midst of what appears to be the outbreak of a zombie apocalypse.—
Tommy McArdle,
PEOPLE,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
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That the precise prose of this account, and numerous other anecdotes, is written with the kind of titanic certainty that would sway a jury is expected; what’s surprising, however, is Crenshaw’s candor in revealing her vulnerability and disappointments.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 May 2026
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The two first-round quarterbacks drafted in his tenure, Ryan Tannehill and Tua Tagovailoa, promised hope but ultimately delivered disappointment.—
Greg Cote
May 7,
Miami Herald,
7 May 2026
Noun
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Democrats have worried that their crowded field could result in two Republicans advancing, which would be a historic calamity for the party.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
5 May 2026
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Prior administration has proactively refunded taxpayers in past misfortune and calamity events, and/or major economic downturns.—
Steve Scauzillo,
Daily News,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
Riding through the bust Trek’s current headwinds are real.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
6 May 2026
-
During a stock market bust, Turner’s net worth went from nearly $10 billion to about $2 billion in two-and-a-half years.—
David Bauder,
Chicago Tribune,
6 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Disaster.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disaster. Accessed 11 May. 2026.
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