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Definition of climactic

climactic

/klaɪˈmæk.tɪk/
cli · mac · tic
Adverb:climactically
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climactic Lexical Profile

climactic Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Relating to, constituting, or acting as a climax; forming the most intense, exciting, or decisive point of something.

Example

"The symphony built steadily toward a powerful, climactic finale that brought the audience to its feet."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for climactic
Antonyms
View all antonyms for climactic

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'climactic' (pertaining to a climax or culminating moment) with 'climatic' (pertaining to weather and climate).

• Rhymes for climactic

• Nearby Words

clifford
cliffside
clifftop
climactic
climactically
climate
climatic

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the mid-19th century from the noun 'climax' (from Ancient Greek 'klimax', meaning 'ladder' or 'staircase') plus the adjectival suffix '-tic', patterned after Greek-derived adjectives.

Cite this Entry

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