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Definition of apocalyptic

apocalyptic

/əˌpɑːkəˈlɪptɪk/
a · poc · a · lyp · tic
Adverb:apocalyptically
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apocalyptic Lexical Profile

apocalyptic Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Describing or prophesying the complete destruction of the world; resembling the end of the world in scale and severity.

Example

"The novel depicts a bleak, apocalyptic future in which civilization has collapsed due to severe climate change."

2

Portentous or warning of imminent disaster and momentous, far-reaching ruin.

Example

"Economists issued apocalyptic warnings about the potential consequences of defaulting on the national debt."

3

Of, relating to, or resembling a religious revelation, especially the biblical Book of Revelation.

Example

"The seminary course examined apocalyptic literature from the Second Temple period."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for apocalyptic

• Nearby Words

apnea
apo
apocalypse
apocalyptic
apocalyptically
apolitical
apolitically

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from Late Latin 'apocalypticus', from Ancient Greek 'apokalyptikos', meaning 'uncovering' or 'revealing', from 'apokalypsis' (revelation). Its modern sense of catastrophic destruction comes from the biblical Book of Revelation (the Apocalypse of John), which prophesies the end of the world.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Apocalyptic. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/apocalyptic
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