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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of debacle
After the debacle of the 2023 World Cup campaign, where England lost six out of their nine matches, there’s been a very average performance in the T20 World Cup and now a forgettable campaign at this on and off ICC tournament.
—
Tim Ellis, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
But some are wary of buying tickets since the first Bahamas getaway turned out to be a total debacle plagued by mass chaos.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN, 25 Feb. 2025
Following her skincare debacle, Lee has used her social media platform to warn others about the risks of viral beauty trends.
—Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 13 Feb. 2025
He was involved in the Iran-Contra debacle in the ’80s with Ronald Reagan.
—Bob Guccione Jr., SPIN, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for debacle
Tim Ellis, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
But some are wary of buying tickets since the first Bahamas getaway turned out to be a total debacle plagued by mass chaos.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN, 25 Feb. 2025
Following her skincare debacle, Lee has used her social media platform to warn others about the risks of viral beauty trends.
—Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 13 Feb. 2025
He was involved in the Iran-Contra debacle in the ’80s with Ronald Reagan.
—Bob Guccione Jr., SPIN, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for debacle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for debacle
Noun
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Related article What is ‘Kessler Syndrome’ — and why do some scientists think the space disaster scenario has already started?—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN,
6 Mar. 2025
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But what if fossil fuel investments, which have been dragging for a decade, are headed toward disaster?—
Marianne Krasny,
Forbes,
6 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Monthly winners and losers: This brings us to our February winners and losers.—
Jeff Marks,
CNBC,
28 Feb. 2025
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Health care reform always creates winners and losers.—
Caitlin Owens,
Axios,
28 Feb. 2025
Noun
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When compared to other ethnicities and races, Blacks are disproportionately affected by the health burdens and diseases that lead to organ failure and result in the need for an organ transplant, especially kidney transplants.—
Andrew Jones,
Hartford Courant,
2 Mar. 2025
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Obituaries Norma Rae Long, an educator who taught sports and directed lifelong learning programs, died of multiple organ failure Feb. 15 at Gilchrist Center Towson.—
Jacques Kelly,
Baltimore Sun,
2 Mar. 2025
Noun
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In the first section of the book, Franklin repeatedly brings historical analysis, primary sources and Anne Frank’s writing into juxtaposition with each other in a way that both illuminates Anne Frank as an individual and the larger tragedy of the Holocaust.—
John Warner,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Mar. 2025
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The tragedy will likely hinge on the design of helicopter routes and reported failures to heed safety alerts on close calls.—
William Lambers,
Newsweek,
7 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Moore’s empowering, committed performance earned praise from critics, a nice turnaround after the previous year’s Striptease fiasco.—
Katie Rife,
EW.com,
2 Mar. 2025
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Scheffler, meanwhile, seemed a little embarrassed by the whole fiasco and clearly wants to put that all in the past.—
Ben Church,
CNN,
2 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The Trump administration plans to all but eliminate the office that oversees America’s recovery from the largest disasters, raising questions about how the United States will rebuild from hurricanes, wildfires and other calamities made worse by climate change.—
Christopher Flavelle,
New York Times,
20 Feb. 2025
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Dozens of cities began adopting similar measures, posing a potential financial calamity for SoCalGas.—
Ari Plachta,
Sacramento Bee,
17 Jan. 2025
Articles Related to debacle
Cite this Entry
“Debacle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/debacle. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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