variants
or cataclysmic
1
as in disastrous
bringing about ruin or misfortune
a cataclysmal decision to plunge the nation into war
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in devastating
causing or tending to cause destruction
a cataclysmal landslide that virtually wiped out the village
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in turbulent
marked by sudden or violent disturbance
the French Revolution was one of the great cataclysmal events in modern history
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cataclysmal
Adjective
-
Many in the comments could relate to roommate frustration, which often manifests in similar ways—as simple household tasks leading to disastrous misfires.—
Justin Gest,
Newsweek,
20 Jan. 2025 -
Many Democrats are angry that Biden clung to power and refused to allow for an open primary, only stepping aside after a disastrous debate performance provoked an internal revolt against his candidacy.—
Jonathan Easley,
The Hill,
20 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis Music Maker Grant recipients as well as raise funds to benefit the BMAC L.A. Fire Relief Fund, an urgent and immediate relief fund with a focus on Black residents and small businesses of the L.A. area affected by the ongoing and devastating fires.—
Gail Mitchell,
Billboard,
17 Jan. 2025
-
Israel responded with a devastating offensive that has killed over 46,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials, who do not distinguish between civilians and fighters but say women and children make up more than half of those killed.—
Samy Magdy,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
This data supports the growing trend in investing in collectables and historical artefacts, which are more likely to hold and increase their value in turbulent financial markets than other traditional forms of investment.—
Laia Farran Graves,
Forbes,
22 Jan. 2025
-
Playing well at Torrey Pines could be another building block, after missing the cut during his turbulent 2024.—
Bryce Miller,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
21 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
But as Trump prepares to retake the White House Monday, Democratic leaders have highlighted other results that show November's losses are not fatal.—
Stephen Fowler,
NPR,
18 Jan. 2025
-
Police said the suspect in the fatal shooting, Luigi Mangione, was found in possession of a manifesto against UnitedHealthcare.—
Yaakov Katz,
Newsweek,
17 Jan. 2025
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.
Thesaurus Entries Near cataclysmal
Cite this Entry
“Cataclysmal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cataclysmal. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share