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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of debacle
What followed was a 16-day debacle that left Republicans deeply unpopular—and helped propel a Democrat in the Governor’s Mansion in Virginia, a state where feds and military members are aplenty.
—
Philip Elliott, Time, 30 Sep. 2025
The Seahawks started what ended up being their game-winning drive at the 40-yard line after the Cardinals' kickoff debacle in the final minute.
—Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 28 Sep. 2025
Describing an epic Mets loss to the Dodgers at the Polo Grounds, Angell told the story of keeping score during the debacle, with the Dodgers scoring 12 runs between the second and sixth innings.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 28 Sep. 2025
Property tax debacle White contends that he’s been unfairly scapegoated for county disputes including over federal funding allocations, residential and commercial property valuations and the 2025 budget freeze.
—Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 27 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for debacle
Philip Elliott, Time, 30 Sep. 2025
The Seahawks started what ended up being their game-winning drive at the 40-yard line after the Cardinals' kickoff debacle in the final minute.
—Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 28 Sep. 2025
Describing an epic Mets loss to the Dodgers at the Polo Grounds, Angell told the story of keeping score during the debacle, with the Dodgers scoring 12 runs between the second and sixth innings.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 28 Sep. 2025
Property tax debacle White contends that he’s been unfairly scapegoated for county disputes including over federal funding allocations, residential and commercial property valuations and the 2025 budget freeze.
—Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 27 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for debacle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debacle
Noun
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Because of its proximity to the stadium, Panoramic Hill is often first in line for disaster preparedness measures, including the thinning of brush and eucalyptus trees on the hill, Berkeley resident Kevin Casey said.—
Austin Meek,
New York Times,
17 Oct. 2025
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And why this all might be a financial and environmental disaster waiting to happen.—
NPR,
NPR,
17 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The Wanderers, three-time A-League Grand Final losers but AFC Champions League winners in 2014, are still smarting after being knocked out of last season’s Finals series by eventual finalists Melbourne Victory.—
Jack Bantock,
New York Times,
17 Oct. 2025
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As the former Pentagon Papers whistleblower relates, all of us will be losers; sobering words that remain a catalyst for change.—
Randy McMullen,
Mercury News,
16 Oct. 2025
Noun
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He has also been charged with following too closely, no registration and failure to exercise due care on Interstate 85 in Jackson County, about 62 miles northeast of Atlanta.—
Michael Dorgan,
FOXNews.com,
15 Oct. 2025
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She was charged with reckless driving causing serious impairment of a body function and failure to stop at a scene of accident resulting in serious impairment or death, the prosecutor said.—
Mike Stunson,
Kansas City Star,
15 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Kirk's murder is a tragedy – as is any murder.—
Peter D'Abrosca,
FOXNews.com,
18 Oct. 2025
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Here’s how a community dispute escalated into a deadly tragedy.—
Olivia B. Waxman,
Time,
17 Oct. 2025
Noun
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After the fiasco at the party, Stacey attempts to make inroads with the group by reconnecting with Wendy first, despite Wendy having led the charge to ask questions about her personal life on the reunion stage.—
Shamira Ibrahim,
Vulture,
13 Oct. 2025
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Before this cost-cutting fiasco, Tesla already was having a rough go of it.—
Patrick George,
The Atlantic,
10 Oct. 2025
Noun
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And Talanoa Hufanga continued to fly around like a calamity let loose from Pandora's box, adding a key third-down pass-breakup on the Jets' final offensive drive.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
12 Oct. 2025
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In the wake of that calamity, the Sharks overhauled their defense corps and goaltending and brought in some new faces up front.—
Curtis Pashelka,
Mercury News,
12 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Debacle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debacle. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.
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