apocalyptic
Americanadjective
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of or like an apocalypse; affording a revelation or prophecy.
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pertaining to the Apocalypse or biblical book of Revelation.
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predicting or presaging imminent disaster and total or universal destruction.
the apocalyptic vision of some contemporary writers.
adjective
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outstanding in revelation, prophecy, or significance
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of or like an apocalypse
Other Word Forms
- apocalyptically adverb
- postapocalyptic adjective
Etymology
Origin of apocalyptic
1620–30; < Late Greek apokalýptikos, equivalent to apokalýpt ( ein ) to uncover, disclose ( apocalypse ) + -ikos -ic
Explanation
The lyrics of a popular song from the 1980’s by the band REM go, “It’s the end of the world as we know it.” This song’s tune may be catchy but the sentiment is rather apocalyptic — since it refers to the final destruction of the world. The base word of apocalyptic, apocalypse, means "ultimate doom." This scenario is most famously described in the Bible’s Book of Revelation, but the concept is used in reference to many extreme catastrophes. For example, the devastating conditions left behind after a hurricane or tornado has hit an area can be said to be apocalyptic. Often, this adjective is used for exaggeration, so you could also use apocalyptic to describe the bad haircut you just got.
Vocabulary lists containing apocalyptic
This Week in Words: December 2 - 8, 2017
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This Week in Words: September 10 - 16, 2017
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The Book Thief
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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.
There are reasons to question the most apocalyptic forecasts.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 16, 2026
Gen. William “Jerry” Boykin were apparent adherents to these apocalyptic beliefs.
From Salon • Mar. 15, 2026
While heavy winter rain is normal for the region, Prof Dave Hodgson - an ecologist at the University of Exeter's Cornwall campus - said the volume and persistence this season felt "a bit apocalyptic".
From BBC • Mar. 1, 2026
Still, the apocalyptic folk tales offer an irresistible fable for the times.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 2026
“It has been my experience that apocalyptic forecasts on the U.S. financial markets are rarely realized within limited horizons,” one investor wrote to Burry.
From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
