cataclysm

noun

cat·​a·​clysm ˈka-tə-ˌkli-zəm How to pronounce cataclysm (audio)
Synonyms of cataclysmnext
1
: flood, deluge
2
: catastrophe sense 3a
3
: a momentous and violent event marked by overwhelming upheaval and demolition
broadly : an event that brings great changes
an international economic cataclysm
cataclysmal
ˌka-tə-ˈkliz-məl How to pronounce cataclysm (audio)
adjective
or cataclysmic
ˌka-tə-ˈkliz-mik How to pronounce cataclysm (audio)
cataclysmically
ˌka-tə-ˈkliz-mi-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce cataclysm (audio)
adverb

Synonyms

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Avatar: Seven Havens is set in a world shattered by a devastating cataclysm. — Denise Petski, Deadline, 20 Feb. 2025 This year’s Oscars are also taking place soon after a Los Angeles cataclysm. — Stephen Humphries, The Christian Science Monitor, 18 Feb. 2025 Throughout 150 years of boosterism, through our latest cataclysm of fires, the palm tree image makes visual geolocation instant and easy. — Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2025 Over the last several decades, various types of natural disasters have wreaked havoc around the U.S., but which cataclysms have cost the most? — Alex Nitzberg, Fox News, 12 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cataclysm

Word History

Etymology

French cataclysme, from Latin cataclysmos, from Greek kataklysmos, from kataklyzein to inundate, from kata- + klyzein to wash — more at clyster

First Known Use

1599, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cataclysm was in 1599

Rhymes for cataclysm

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Browse Nearby Words

cataclysm
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Cite this Entry

“Cataclysm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cataclysm. Accessed 18 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

cataclysm

noun
cat·​a·​clysm ˈkat-ə-ˌkliz-əm How to pronounce cataclysm (audio)
1
: a great flood
2
: a violent and destructive natural event (as an earthquake)
3
: a violent social or political change
cataclysmal
ˌkat-ə-ˈkliz-məl How to pronounce cataclysm (audio)
adjective
or cataclysmic
-mik How to pronounce cataclysm (audio)

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Nglish: Translation of cataclysm for Spanish Speakers

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