Apocalyptic
mediumNegative toneuh-pok-uh-LIP-tik
adjective
Definition
Describing or prophesying the complete destruction of the world
Memory hook
APOCALYP-tic: the ultimate unveiling - when everything is destroyed and the end is revealed.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The film showed apocalyptic scenes of cities in ruins.”
“Climate scientists issued apocalyptic warnings about inaction.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The film showed ______ scenes of cities in ruins.”
Show answer
apocalyptic
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Apocalyptic is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "cataclysmic" or "catastrophic" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "auspicious".
Related GRE Words
ruinous
Disastrous; causing great damage or destruction
calamitous
Involving or causing a calamity; disastrous
catastrophic
Involving or causing sudden great damage or suffering
destructive
Causing great damage or harm; highly damaging
implode
to collapse violently inward
baneful
Causing harm or ruin; pernicious; destructive
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