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.

"These extinctions were driven by relatively rapid climate shifts and cataclysmic volcanic eruptions," says Dr. Scofield.

From Science Daily • Mar. 26, 2026

Perhaps he causes such extensive mayhem because he is the unintended side effect of a cataclysmic experiment.

From Salon • Mar. 20, 2026

Xfinity saves Jurassic Park from destruction by simply turning a router back on, preventing a cataclysmic security breakdown.

From Slate • Feb. 8, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 7, 2026

He heard the cataclysmic rending of stone and metal as the ground gave way.

From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor

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