cataclysm
noun
cat·a·clysm
ˈka-tə-ˌkli-zəm 
3
: a momentous and violent event marked by overwhelming upheaval and demolition
broadly
: an event that brings great changes
an international economic cataclysm
Synonyms
Examples of cataclysm in a Sentence
floods, earthquakes, and other cataclysms
The country barely survived the cataclysm of war.
The revolution could result in worldwide cataclysm.
Recent Examples on the Web
That is a popular question among a cohort of Americans who are convinced of a coming cataclysm between violent factions in the country—and who are readying themselves for it.
—
Clare Malone, The New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2024
The latter are ripples in the literal fabric of spacetime itself, created by cosmic cataclysms like black holes colliding.
—Michael Irving, New Atlas, 8 Sep. 2024
According to an analysis of FEMA data, some twenty million Americans are actively preparing for cataclysm—roughly twice as many as in 2017.
—Charles Bethea, The New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2024
Because the amount of detonating material is roughly the same for every type Ia supernova, these cosmic cataclysms all shine with a similar brightness and can be seen far beyond their host galaxy.
—Tom Metcalfe, Scientific American, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for cataclysm 
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Clare Malone, The New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2024
The latter are ripples in the literal fabric of spacetime itself, created by cosmic cataclysms like black holes colliding.
—Michael Irving, New Atlas, 8 Sep. 2024
According to an analysis of FEMA data, some twenty million Americans are actively preparing for cataclysm—roughly twice as many as in 2017.
—Charles Bethea, The New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2024
Because the amount of detonating material is roughly the same for every type Ia supernova, these cosmic cataclysms all shine with a similar brightness and can be seen far beyond their host galaxy.
—Tom Metcalfe, Scientific American, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for cataclysm
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Dictionary Entries Near cataclysm
Cite this Entry
“Cataclysm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cataclysm. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
cataclysm
noun
cat·a·clysm
ˈkat-ə-ˌkliz-əm
1
: a great flood
2
: a violent and destructive natural event (as an earthquake)
3
: a violent social or political change
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