climax 1 of 2

climax

2 of 2

verb

as in to finish
to bring to a triumphant conclusion organizers climaxed the county fair with a down and dirty pie-eating contest

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun climax differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of climax are acme, apex, culmination, peak, pinnacle, and summit. While all these words mean "the highest point attained or attainable," climax implies the highest point in an ascending series.

the war was the climax to a series of hostile actions

Where would acme be a reasonable alternative to climax?

In some situations, the words acme and climax are roughly equivalent. However, acme implies a level of quality representing the perfection of a thing.

a statue that was once deemed the acme of beauty

When is apex a more appropriate choice than climax?

Although the words apex and climax have much in common, apex implies the point where all ascending lines converge.

the apex of Dutch culture

When would culmination be a good substitute for climax?

The words culmination and climax can be used in similar contexts, but culmination suggests the outcome of a growth or development representing an attained objective.

the culmination of years of effort

When can peak be used instead of climax?

While the synonyms peak and climax are close in meaning, peak suggests the highest among other high points.

an artist working at the peak of her powers

In what contexts can pinnacle take the place of climax?

The meanings of pinnacle and climax largely overlap; however, pinnacle suggests a dizzying and often insecure height.

the pinnacle of worldly success

When is it sensible to use summit instead of climax?

The synonyms summit and climax are sometimes interchangeable, but summit implies the topmost level attainable.

at the summit of the Victorian social scene

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 climax
Noun
Most of the smashing is done by Tamburlaine, a Scythian shepherd by birth, who rises to the peaks of power, lays waste to one kingdom after another, and has the temerity, at the climax of Part 1, not to die. Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025 And then Zhao gives you a moment of communal outpouring, as the play’s audience responds to a violent climax with sympathy and love. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
There was the ignominy of falling into League One and then the long, arduous road back that climaxed with promotion via the Championship play-off final in May. Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2025 Meteorologists predict the heat index — a measure of what the temperature feels like to the human body — will climax at 109 degrees July 25, according to the latest NWS forecast. Killian Baarlaer, Louisville Courier Journal, 24 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for climax
Recent Examples of Synonyms for climax
Noun
  • The moment marked a personal milestone for Baldwin, who said goodbye to dancing 16 years ago after breaking her hip due to overuse.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
  • James Tour, professor of chemistry and materials science at Rice, called the achievement an industrial milestone.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The final contest between Ali and Frazier was the culmination of a relationship that had begun in friendship but curdled into deep enmity, the decisive battle in a war that had become larger than the two men in the ring.
    Vann R. Newkirk II, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 2025
  • The announcement was the culmination of a 33-hour manhunt for the assassin of the popular conservative activist that has roiled the nation in fear and angry rhetoric.
    Rick Jervis, USA Today, 14 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • After recording the second out of the inning, the right-hander was unable to finish the frame.
    Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Both judges advised Elaine to finish her movements completely.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The watershed is nourished by the salmon run.
    Andrew Watman, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Proactive fuel mitigation measures near watersheds are a vital step toward protecting water quality as California wildfires grow in intensity and frequency, experts warn.
    Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The prestigious Sol at Chileno Bay Resort & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection offers a next-level hydrothermal circuit that points to the pinnacle of this impactful wellness experience, with hot and cold plunges, a steam room, reflexology pool, and even an ice bar.
    Carley Rojas Ávila, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Held on October 1, 1975, in the Philippine Coliseum, the fight is remembered by many who attended as the best heavyweight contest in history, and possibly the pinnacle of the sport.
    Vann R. Newkirk II, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Chambliss has completed 19 of 25 passes for 319 yards in his first start since transferring from the Division II level.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Renovation of the west wing, which includes the dining hall, kitchen and clinic offices, was completed over the summer.
    Sophie Carson, jsonline.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The compilation is Strait’s first set to make it to that impressive landmark figure.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
  • They were pulled from the Red Barn, a local landmark dating to the early 1900s in this small community southwest of the Keweenaw Peninsula.
    Eric D. Lawrence, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The speakers and attendees outlined their vision for the world at a time when national conservatism has reached its zenith of influence.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 3 Sep. 2025
  • These continued every few days for the better part of the next year, one Bowyer would look back on as a personal and professional zenith.
    DAVID AMSDEN, Rolling Stone, 29 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Climax.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/climax. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.

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