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
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
So, the researchers have theorized that a super-heated ash cloud that dissipated quickly was actually the first event in the Vesuvius cataclysm.
—
Michael Franco, New Atlas, 28 Feb. 2025
Pirate Borg focuses on nautical fantasy by setting this cataclysm during the golden age of piracy.
—Rob Wieland, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025
The computer cataclysm that never happened is now enjoying a cultural moment, whether as a sight gag in Abbott Elementary, a plot device in The Righteous Gemstones, or as the theme of a new apocalyptic comedy aptly named Y2K.
—Zachary Loeb / Made By History, TIME, 18 Dec. 2024
Avatar: Seven Havens is set in a world shattered by a devastating cataclysm.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cataclysm
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Michael Franco, New Atlas, 28 Feb. 2025
Pirate Borg focuses on nautical fantasy by setting this cataclysm during the golden age of piracy.
—Rob Wieland, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025
The computer cataclysm that never happened is now enjoying a cultural moment, whether as a sight gag in Abbott Elementary, a plot device in The Righteous Gemstones, or as the theme of a new apocalyptic comedy aptly named Y2K.
—Zachary Loeb / Made By History, TIME, 18 Dec. 2024
Avatar: Seven Havens is set in a world shattered by a devastating cataclysm.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cataclysm
Articles Related to cataclysm
Cite this Entry
“Cataclysm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cataclysm. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.
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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