variants
also débâcle
1
as in disaster
a sudden violent event that brings about great loss or destruction
the financial debacle that was the stock market crash of 1929
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in loser
something that has failed
the movie, which some had predicted would be a blockbuster, turned out to be the summer's biggest debacle at the multiplexes
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 debacle
But since that Oval Office debacle, Zelensky had done his Trump homework, too.
—
Tom Nagorski, Time, 18 July 2025
There is no perfect solution for this, but the way production chooses to move forward from this year’s casting debacles will determine the future success of Love Island USA.
—Daysia Tolentino, EW.com, 8 July 2025
On the federal side of the budget debacle, the leader of the Michigan Department of Education, schools Superintendent Michael Rice, decried the nearly $160 million withheld from schools in a news release Wednesday, July 2.
—Lily Altavena, Freep.com, 3 July 2025
The punishment for this debacle, above, should be straight to jail without passing ‘Go’.
—Phil Hay, New York Times, 28 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for debacle
Tom Nagorski, Time, 18 July 2025
There is no perfect solution for this, but the way production chooses to move forward from this year’s casting debacles will determine the future success of Love Island USA.
—Daysia Tolentino, EW.com, 8 July 2025
On the federal side of the budget debacle, the leader of the Michigan Department of Education, schools Superintendent Michael Rice, decried the nearly $160 million withheld from schools in a news release Wednesday, July 2.
—Lily Altavena, Freep.com, 3 July 2025
The punishment for this debacle, above, should be straight to jail without passing ‘Go’.
—Phil Hay, New York Times, 28 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for debacle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debacle
Noun
-
During times of year when there are fewer weather disasters, the agency receives fewer calls and can choose to spend less money staffing call centers.—
Rebecca Hersher,
NPR,
7 Aug. 2025
-
When a data disaster occurs, many IT professionals and system administrators focus on selecting powerful data recovery software or hiring professional services.—
Chongwei Chen,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
With existing sanctions on Russia and potentially new ones at stake, the eventual outcome of the Trump-Putin summit will create winners and losers in the energy space.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
15 Aug. 2025
-
Legislative appropriations committees could — and did — secretly decide which bills would reach the floors of both houses and just announce the winners and losers without explanation.—
Dan Walters,
Mercury News,
15 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Now 86 and ailing, Khamenei has lived long enough to see the total failure of his predecessor’s revolution.—
Arash Azizi,
The Atlantic,
5 Aug. 2025
-
After making a tremendous mistake that triggers the French and Indian War, an ambitious 22-year-old Washington must face his failures and find the courage to become the leader that will forge a nation.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
5 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
But my instinct tells me that Arne Slot and his players will develop an even closer bond in the wake of the Jota tragedy and, with the help of some outstanding signings, retain the title.—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
11 Aug. 2025
-
The council additionally issued a two-day state of mourning in response to the tragedy, per a statement shared on Aug. 9.—
Toria Sheffield,
People.com,
11 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The right-wing conspiracy theorist was aghast at Trump’s decision to try to pin blame for the Epstein fiasco on Democrats.—
Miles Klee,
Rolling Stone,
19 July 2025
-
This fiasco competes with the high-speed rail project for the best way to waste taxpayer dollars.—
U T Readers,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 July 2025
Noun
-
In this way, insuring a large number of independent risks protects the insurer against financial calamity, because the insurer can accurately predict losses for the group as a whole, and set premiums accordingly.—
Jay Adkisson,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
-
One of those looking for answers is Austin resident Lisa Miller, whose daughters Eliza, 14, Genevieve, 12, and Birdie, 9, were attending Camp Mystic, perched beside the Guadalupe River in Hunt, when calamity struck on the Fourth of July.—
Janelle Griffith,
People.com,
15 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Debacle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debacle. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share