apocalypse

noun

ə-ˈpä-kə-ˌlips How to pronounce apocalypse (audio)
Definition of apocalypsenext
as in disaster
a sudden violent event that brings about great loss or destruction the fear that the next global pandemic could be an apocalypse of biblical proportions

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of apocalypse In addition, contrary to predictions of an AI job apocalypse, AI is boosting employment levels, the PwC study finds. — Joe McKendrick, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 As Sabbath’s primary lyricist during the Ozzy years, Geezer established heavy metal’s obsessions with dread, apocalypse, insanity, and the darker corners of spirituality. — Steve Appleford, SPIN, 17 June 2026 These are the shows that capture our post-9/11 paranoia through science fiction, or the fear of economic collapse through the zombie apocalypse, or our obsession with individuality through 1960s advertising. — Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 29 June 2026 Closing the Manhattan Bridge, diverting traffic, and managing the safety of staging a zombie apocalypse downtown required the cooperation and manpower of multiple agencies with their own sets of pressing priorities and responsibilities. — Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for apocalypse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apocalypse
  1. disaster
  2. catastrophe
  3. tragedy
  4. calamity
Noun
  • Rodríguez said numerous public officials died in the disaster, including security personnel, municipal employees and military officers.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
  • The Boyle Heights blaze, similar to the Eaton and Palisades fires, has revealed the region’s air monitoring can’t always tell people what they’ve been exposed to in a disaster.
    — Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
Definition of disaster
Noun
  • In the work of fiction, the ship is taken over to prevent catastrophe.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 5 July 2026
  • The young girls are referred to as Heaven’s 27 by their surviving families, who are determined to honor their legacy by ensuring such a catastrophe never happens again.
    — Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026
Definition of catastrophe
Noun
  • During the June 23 meeting, residents urged city officials to keep funding the team to prevent future tragedies.
    — Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 2 July 2026
  • Here are the most significant developments since the tragedy occurred.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 2 July 2026
Definition of tragedy
Noun
  • There have been few comments about improvements or calamities, other than the usual notes that battery life was reduced immediately after installation, which is commonplace.
    — David Phelan, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • Residents of La Guaira, ground zero of the calamity, said food and water remained in short supply, despite the massive aid effort.
    — Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
Definition of calamity

Browse Nearby Words

aplomb
apocalypse
apocalypses
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Cite this Entry

“Apocalypse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apocalypse. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on apocalypse

Nglish: Translation of apocalypse for Spanish Speakers

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