1
as in flood
a great flow of water or of something that overwhelms
an ancient cataclysm that may have been the basis for the Flood described in the Bible
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2
as in catastrophe
a sudden violent event that brings about great loss or destruction
the earthquake that struck Lisbon in 1755, killing 30,000 people, was one of the greatest cataclysms ever recorded
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3
as in upheaval
a violent disturbance (as of the political or social order)
a social cataclysm that gave rise to a new world order
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Recent Examples of cataclysm
The latter are ripples in the literal fabric of spacetime itself, created by cosmic cataclysms like black holes colliding.
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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
Now, however, a team of geologists suggests the cataclysm provided a surprising boost for early forms of life.
—Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for cataclysm 
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
Now, however, a team of geologists suggests the cataclysm provided a surprising boost for early forms of life.
—Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for cataclysm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cataclysm
Noun
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Florida plans to launch a program that will help homeowners in risk zones elevate their homes above flood levels.Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024
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For example, climate-resilient infrastructure projects - e.g. building flood defenses, upgrading transportation systems, and retrofitting buildings - are driving demand for construction experts, urban designers and environmental consultants, among many other roles.Jamil Wyne, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Leaders grappling with technological upheaval, political change, economic uncertainty, and shifting societal norms may be tempted to seek novel solutions.Gena Cox, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
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It shouldn't just be reserved for stunts and for emotional upheavals.EW.com, EW.com, 20 Dec. 2024
Noun
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His death unleashed a torrent of anger on social media against the U.S. health system, and insurance companies specifically.Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 15 Dec. 2024
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His revenge plot involved unleashing an absolute torrent of demented online harassment Dutschke's way.Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 13 Dec. 2024
Noun
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The bill would provide $100 billion in funds for cleanup after devastating Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which rocked Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee and other Southern states, as well as other disasters.Savannah Kuchar, USA TODAY, 18 Dec. 2024
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Developing Highly Detailed Maps Geospatial mapping technology could be better leveraged in disasters.Expert Panel®, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
Noun
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At the same time, restaurants, takeout and delivery became more accessible, creating a cultural revolution of eating out.Harmeet Kaur, CNN, 13 Dec. 2024
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Final Thoughts Broadcom's recent earnings report serves as a powerful indicator of the ongoing AI revolution in the tech industry.Adam Sarhan, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Didn’t Die / U.S.A. (Director, Screenwriter, and Producer: Meera Menon, Screenwriter and Producer: Paul Gleason, Producers: Erica Fishman, Joe Camerota, Luke Patton) –– A podcast host desperately clings to an ever-shrinking audience in the zombie apocalypse.Mia Galuppo, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Dec. 2024
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The series promises to blend action, romance and comedy elements within its zombie apocalypse framework.Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 11 Dec. 2024
Noun
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An initial tsunami warning was called off within two hours of the earthquake.Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024
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At least 24 earthquakes of magnitude 7 or larger have occurred within 155 miles of the most recent earthquake in the past century, the largest being a 7.9 magnitude earthquake around 53 miles southwest in December 1950.Julia Gomez, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Remus said the family is leaning into God to cope with the tragedy — along with being OK with laughter when remembering happy or funny moments.Erik S. Hanley, Journal Sentinel, 21 Dec. 2024
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Magdeburg marked the tragedy Saturday with the tolling church bells at 7:04 p.m., the exact time of the attack in the city of roughly 240,000 people.Kirsten Grieshaber, Los Angeles Times, 21 Dec. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Cataclysm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cataclysm. Accessed 28 Dec. 2024.
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