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Synonyms

culminating

American  
[kuhl-muh-ney-ting] / ˈkʌl məˌneɪ tɪŋ /

adjective

  1. being or nearing the highest point or final stage.

    The mountain, which rises to 1,125 meters, is the culminating point of the Luberon mountain range.

    All students are required to participate in a capstone course that serves as the culminating experience of the degree.


Other Word Forms

  • nonculminating adjective

Etymology

Origin of culminating

First recorded in 1660–70; culminat(e) ( def. ) + -ing 2 ( def. )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Now Stafford walked Jessica through the recent developments in the investigation, culminating in the arrest and charge of a suspect more than 34 years after her mother’s murder.

From Slate • Apr. 6, 2026

Late-night host Conan O’Brien also amplified the persona through recurring skits, culminating in the comedic appearance by Norris himself on O’Brien’s show.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 20, 2026

A Hollywood ceremony set to feature music from "KPop Demon Hunters" and Conan O'Brien as host will feature several nail-biting reveals, culminating in the announcement of the year's best film, which remains anyone's guess.

From Barron's • Mar. 12, 2026

Brazil finished 0-4 in the WBC, culminating with a 8-1 loss to Great Britain on Monday.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 10, 2026

Hair crawls all over his head, culminating in a black wiry beard uncoiling in every direction at once.

From "I'll Give You the Sun" by Jandy Nelson