CATHARTIC Synonyms: 63 Similar and Opposite Words

cathartic 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of cathartic

as in excitable

bringing about a relief from strong emotions usually by expressing them It was very cathartic to finally tell my childhood bully exactly what I thought of him.

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cathartic

2 of 2

noun

as in drug

a substance used to induce or speed up the process of defecation Epsom salts, when ingested, act as a cathartic.

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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 cathartic

Adjective

As the film’s dance sequences played in front of me before ending in an ecstatic, cathartic rave-release, I was reminded again of that hopeful feeling for what the future may hold. — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 16 June 2026 There’s a shocking and unfortunately realistic twist in the plot, and then a cathartic dance performance that left many in the opening-night audience wiping away tears. — Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 June 2026 After holding these characters in psychological suspension for so long, the show finally puts them in a position for a cathartic finish. — Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 25 June 2026 Sugar’s reunion has already delivered the cathartic, high-volume joy fans for which fans waited decades, and now Bob Mould, David Barbe and Malcolm Travis are keeping the momentum going with another new song. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for cathartic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cathartic

Adjective

The studio released the official trailer for the film on Thursday, showing Edgar-Jones as the formidable Elinor Dashwood; Esmé Creed-Miles as her excitable sister, Marianne; and Bodhi Rae Breathnach as their youngest sibling, Margaret.

— Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 25 June 2026
The excitable kids had been instructed several times to give Bryce Young room.

— Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 1 June 2026

Definition of excitable

Noun

But George played just 41 games in the 2024-25 season and 37 last season, when he was suspended for 25 games late in the regular season for violating the league’s drug policy.

— Tim Casey, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
The drugs typically range in cost from $2,000 to $3,500 for a 30-day supply.

— Tamar Hallerman, AJC.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of drug

Noun

Sales of purgatives, tonics, syrups and patent medicines like Carter’s Little Liver Pills went through the roof as ordinary people were encouraged to closely monitor the frequency and quality of their bowel movements.

— Elsa Richardson, TIME, 3 Oct. 2024
The persistent and sickening violence of Detroit could work as a powerful purgative, a corrective medicine for deprogramming those who doubt the reality of police brutality.

— Josephine Livingstone, New Republic, 8 Aug. 2017

Definition of purgative

Adjective

The result is a chain of polite, yet simultaneously radical buildings with an exciting contour resembling a mountainous landscape – adding ‘bergen’ in De Bergen!

— Bridget Borgobello July 04, New Atlas, 4 July 2026
The modern building is an exciting addition to the Fort Worth Cultural District and people are situated in backs around the lobby.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 July 2026

Definition of exciting

Noun

Maintenance inhalers are either long-acting airway dilators or anti-inflammatory medications like steroids that patients should take daily.

— Alexandra Frost, USA Today, 5 July 2026
Though effective medication exists, the issue is persistent in areas with a lack of easy access to testing, treatment and clean water so people don't rely on local bodies of water for drinking and bathing.

— William McCarthy, NPR, 4 July 2026

Definition of medication

Adjective

Rooms frame garden and water views through floor-to-ceiling windows, with wraparound balconies in Sea Suites facing Istanbul’s impressive skyline.

— Liam Hess, Vogue, 1 July 2026
So, even more impressive to me is the way these grills can hold hot flames stable.

— Noah Kaufman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 July 2026

Definition of impressive

Noun

The leading causes of death have changed dramatically since America's founding 250 years ago, highlighting how far medicine has come.

— Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
The findings have not yet been peer-reviewed, but scientists say the work represents an important step toward understanding the basic building blocks of life and developing new technologies that could one day be used in medicine.

— Paloma Chavez, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026

Definition of medicine

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“Cathartic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cathartic. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of cathartic

adjective

noun

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