1
as in disaster
a sudden violent event that brings about great loss or destruction
more than one natural catastrophe has threatened to destroy their farm over the years
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in failure
something that has failed
the movie was a catastrophe, nearly bankrupting the studio that produced it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for catastrophe
Noun
-
In early January, the stage was set for a wildfire disaster in Los Angeles.—
Lauren Sommer,
NPR,
29 Jan. 2025 -
The trailer has tipped most of the big gags, from the disaster at the dock to Jim wrestling an alligator, but Stoller’s script is strong enough that the movie’s pleasures are far from spoiled.—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
29 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
That has received sharp rebuke from California leaders and water experts who point out that Los Angeles’ water supply is flush after two rainy years, and statewide water supply questions have no relationship to municipal water system failures during the Palisades fire.—
Ari Plachta,
Sacramento Bee,
25 Jan. 2025
-
Most interpreted that as a failure to engineer a better pass rush through blitzing, something the 49ers rarely did.—
Matt Barrows,
The Athletic,
24 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Rather than address the real force multiplier behind this latest fire, and avoid a climate apocalypse, Republicans would rather make a quick buck off a recall gimmick.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
18 Jan. 2025
-
But before the dino apocalypse, the creatures were thought to be abundant in what's now the United Kingdom.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA TODAY,
11 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
The GoFundMe appeal continues to raise donations from well-wishers keen to help the family move on from the tragedy.—
Justin Gest,
Newsweek,
20 Jan. 2025
-
All these years later, through prosperity and tragedy and a rebirth with the Chiefs, Reid has become what might be considered a coaching version of Picasso — one of the most influential and successful forces ever at their craft.—
Vahe Gregorian,
Kansas City Star,
19 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Another calamity hit just days into the search, when a C-47 crashed south of Whitehorse.—
Francine Uenuma,
Smithsonian Magazine,
23 Jan. 2025
-
Perhaps this is also key to rebounding from this latest calamity.—
Shawn Hubler,
New York Times,
20 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 catastrophe
Cite this Entry
“Catastrophe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/catastrophe. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share