cataclysm
4 synonyms for cataclysm, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A sudden, violent event causing widespread destruction or upheaval.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use cataclysm
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a global cataclysm
economic cataclysm
Etymology
From Ancient Greek kataklysmos, "deluge, flood," from kata- ("down") plus klyzein ("to wash over").
Full origin of cataclysm →Frequently asked questions
What does “cataclysm” mean?
The word “cataclysm” means a sudden, violent event causing widespread destruction or upheaval. In plain terms, a disaster on a massive scale, often one that changes everything afterward.
How do you pronounce “cataclysm”?
“Cataclysm” is pronounced KA-tuh-klihzm (/ˈkætəˌklɪzm̩/ in IPA).
How do you use “cataclysm” in a sentence?
Here is “cataclysm” used in a sentence: “The war was described as a cataclysm that reshaped the region for generations.”
What part of speech is “cataclysm”?
“Cataclysm” is a noun.
Where does the word “cataclysm” come from?
The word “cataclysm” comes from Ancient Greek. From Ancient Greek kataklysmos, "deluge, flood," from kata- ("down") plus klyzein ("to wash over").
