variants
also apocalyptical
as in climactic
of, relating to, or being a major turning point
the apocalyptic Battle of Stalingrad, which led to the ultimate defeat of Nazi Germany
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of apocalyptic
Viewers catch glimpses of a harsh post-apocalyptic landscape and new survivors as Xavier navigates the dangers of the world above.
—
Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 29 Jan. 2026
Episode 7 of the series, The Day, is probably the single best rendition of an apocalyptic event unfolding in real time and the panic that ensues.
—Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
This meant building out the retrofuturistic neon lights of Sin City for flashbacks, as well as its dustier, apocalyptic New Vegas version in the present timeline.
—Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Jan. 2026
But judging from the overflowing shopping carts, many seem to be preparing for something more apocalyptic.
—Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for apocalyptic
Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 29 Jan. 2026
Episode 7 of the series, The Day, is probably the single best rendition of an apocalyptic event unfolding in real time and the panic that ensues.
—Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
This meant building out the retrofuturistic neon lights of Sin City for flashbacks, as well as its dustier, apocalyptic New Vegas version in the present timeline.
—Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Jan. 2026
But judging from the overflowing shopping carts, many seem to be preparing for something more apocalyptic.
—Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for apocalyptic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apocalyptic
Adjective
-
One unusual choice presents a climactic murder only in a photo seen decades later, along with articles defaming the victim.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Eventually, the energy of the performance shifted from party to statement piece—yet smart stagecraft made that shift feel climactic rather than deflating.—
Spencer Kornhaber,
The Atlantic,
9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The film received strong critical acclaim upon its release, holding a 95% critical approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.—
Joe Otterson,
Variety,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Some 25 million people viewed the spot, by the way, but only 15 commented on it, and most were critical.—
Steven Zeitchik,
HollywoodReporter,
9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Trump’s comments have also raised fears among Democrats and voting-rights groups that the president could try to intervene in this year’s pivotal midterm elections, as Republicans try to hold on to slim majorities in both chambers.—
Justin Papp,
CNBC,
13 Feb. 2026
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The partnership was a pivotal moment for Williams and his brand.—
Tara Larson,
Footwear News,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told Fox News Digital that Khamenei remains the decisive figure in Iran’s system even as the regime faces pressure at home and abroad.—
Efrat Lachter,
FOXNews.com,
6 Feb. 2026
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Iran’s military has warned that any attack would be met with an immediate and decisive response, including strikes on US forces and assets in the region.—
Kevin Liptak,
CNN Money,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Keeping high-ethylene producers away from climacteric fruits can keep them from ripening too quickly.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
15 July 2025
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For this reader, roughly the same age as Sam Raymond, there is uncommon pleasure in the paradoxes of this climacteric tale.—
Claire Messud,
Harper's Magazine,
22 June 2021
Adjective
-
And the stakes were extremely high.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
14 Feb. 2026
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Under the bill, school districts can apply for reimbursement for any high-needs student for costs beyond $30,000 per student, with a maximum reimbursement of up to $100,000 per student.—
Becca Savransky,
Idaho Statesman,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
That film, now recognized as a watershed moment, helped revolutionize the independent film business.—
Rena Ronson,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Jan. 2026
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NikeSkims, the watershed partnership between sportswear giant Nike and Kim Kardashian‘s label-of-the-moment Skims, has just made a splash in the world of footwear.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
26 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Apocalyptic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apocalyptic. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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