Synonyms

cataclysmic

American

[kat-uh-kliz-mik] / ˌkæt əˈklɪz mɪk /

Or cataclysmal

adjective

of, relating to, or resulting from a cataclysm.
of the nature of, or having the effect of, a cataclysm.

cataclysmic changes.

Other Word Forms

cataclysmically adverb
noncataclysmal adjective
noncataclysmic adjective

Etymology

Origin of cataclysmic

First recorded in 1850–55; cataclysm + -ic

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.

They end up being a cataclysmic event in the family.

From The Wall Street Journal

She had left the country just before the fire despite warnings of potentially cataclysmic conditions.

From Los Angeles Times

The treasure trove of fossils offers a rare glimpse into a cataclysmic event that brought a sudden end to the greatest explosion of life in our planet's history.

From Barron's

“I think it would be cataclysmic in many ways. It would be economic, financial, and therefore political insanity,” he said.

From Barron's

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023