apocalyptic

adjective

apoc·​a·​lyp·​tic ə-ˌpä-kə-ˈlip-tik How to pronounce apocalyptic (audio)
variants or less commonly apocalyptical
Synonyms of apocalypticnext
1
: of, relating to, or resembling an apocalypse
apocalyptic events
2
: forecasting the ultimate destiny of the world : prophetic
apocalyptic warnings
3
: foreboding imminent disaster or final doom : terrible
apocalyptic signs of the coming end-times
4
: wildly unrestrained : grandiose
5
: ultimately decisive : climactic
an apocalyptic battle
apocalyptically adverb

Examples of apocalyptic in a Sentence

No one listened to her apocalyptic predictions. a less apocalyptic view of the future the apocalyptic destruction of the world
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Jacob Elordi, Margaret Qualley and Josh Brolin star in Ridley Scott’s post-apocalyptic flick, based on Peter Heller’s 2012 novel that centers on those who survived a flu that wiped out most of the country. Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 16 May 2026 The resulting tsunami was nothing short of apocalyptic. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 14 May 2026 This time out, however, the apocalyptic story line has an echo in the real world. Keith Phipps, Vulture, 13 May 2026 Jasper then went on to re-team with Searchlight for post-apocalyptic musical drama O’dessa, starring Sadie Sink, which was released on Hulu in 2025. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 4 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for apocalyptic

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin apocalypticus, derivative of apocalypsis apocalypse, by analogy with pairs such as ellīpsis ellipsis : ellīpticus elliptic

First Known Use

1625, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of apocalyptic was in 1625

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Apocalyptic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apocalyptic. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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