climax

1 of 2

noun

cli·​max ˈklī-ˌmaks How to pronounce climax (audio)
1
: a figure of speech in which a series of phrases or sentences is arranged in ascending order of rhetorical forcefulness
2
a
: the highest point : culmination
the climax of a distinguished career
b
: the point of highest dramatic tension or a major turning point in the action (as of a play)
At the novel's climax, the main character finds herself face to face with the thief.
c
: orgasm
d
3
: a relatively stable ecological stage or community especially of plants that is achieved through successful adaptation to an environment
especially : the final stage in ecological succession
the tropical rain forest is a climatic climax P. W. Richards
climaxless adjective

climax

2 of 2

verb

climaxed; climaxing; climaxes

transitive verb

: to bring to a climax
climaxed his boxing career with a knockout
The protest in May climaxed a series of demonstrations in the nation's capital.

intransitive verb

: to come to a climax
a riot climaxing in the destruction of several houses
The movie climaxes with a fantastic chase scene.
Choose the Right Synonym for climax

summit, peak, pinnacle, climax, apex, acme, culmination mean the highest point attained or attainable.

summit implies the topmost level attainable.

at the summit of the Victorian social scene

peak suggests the highest among other high points.

an artist working at the peak of her powers

pinnacle suggests a dizzying and often insecure height.

the pinnacle of worldly success

climax implies the highest point in an ascending series.

the war was the climax to a series of hostile actions

apex implies the point where all ascending lines converge.

the apex of Dutch culture

acme implies a level of quality representing the perfection of a thing.

a statue that was once deemed the acme of beauty

culmination suggests the outcome of a growth or development representing an attained objective.

the culmination of years of effort

Examples of climax in a Sentence

Noun The movie's climax is a fantastic chase scene. At the novel's climax, the main character finds herself face to face with the thief. the climax of her career The protest in May was the climax of a series of demonstrations in the nation's capital. Verb The movie climaxes with a fantastic chase scene. The May protest climaxed a series of demonstrations in the nation's capital.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Because of structural changes in the movie adaptation, Alia is still unborn by the climax of the second film. Lucas Trevor, Washington Post, 4 Mar. 2024 While the week had its oohs and ahs, and lots of laughs at meals, the climax came the day before departure. Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 28 Feb. 2024 Moving forward in time, the climax goes as follows: In Vietnam, Future Sad Elizabeth Debicki arrives on the yacht just after Past Sad Elizabeth Debicki has departed with her son and Past Evil Russian Kenneth Branagh has flown off in a helicopter. Nate Jones, Vulture, 26 Feb. 2024 Another reason for the movie’s success was its feel-good nature and underdog story, especially during the film’s climax when Hill attends a professional tryout in front of legendary scout Red Murff. Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Feb. 2024 The ballot measure duel climaxes two decades of skirmishing in the Legislature and the courts. Dan Walters, The Mercury News, 26 Jan. 2024 As the series carries on toward a climax, or climaxes, old Hollywood tropes rush in, things get corny, and the whole show becomes less persuasive. Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2024 McEntire’s latest rendition of the anthem was more fully orchestrated than some other recent versions — or even her own past readings — have been, with a pre-recorded horn section sending the song toward a big climax. Chris Willman, Variety, 11 Feb. 2024 This leads to a brutal climax where an armed Hank comes to Danvers’ house, murders Otis, and is preparing to kill Danvers when Pete comes in at the right moment, his own gun drawn. Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 9 Feb. 2024
Verb
Their relationship climaxes with a verbal showdown late in the season that is almost unbearable to watch, as Sanada and Nishioka summon the fathomless love and respect underlying the confrontation. Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 27 Feb. 2024 Visuals capture from above Argentine right back Gonzalo Montiel walking slowly to the penalty spot to take the eighth kick of the penalty shoot-out climaxing the final between Argentina and France. John Hopewell, Variety, 16 Jan. 2024 Though viewers might expect Oppenheimer to climax with the Trinity Test at Los Alamos (which is indeed spectacular), the film spends a final hour exploring the 1954 closed-door hearing where Oppenheimer's security clearance was revoked for his ties to communists. Christian Holub, EW.com, 19 July 2023 Even so, its story climaxes with a pivotal race in the brand’s history — the 1957 Mille Miglia — that required a tremendous amount of work, and more than a little luck to recreate. Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 11 Jan. 2024 Chad Stahelski climaxed the Keanu Reeves cult franchise with the year’s most visually, kinetically thrilling filmcraft. Armond White, National Review, 5 Jan. 2024 The beginnings of those monsters are explored through the slow burn of the expository first act, climaxing with a big reveal of a young version of a central character from the show. David Benedict, Variety, 14 Dec. 2023 Wheels Up climaxed its upsurge with a 2021 IPO that valued the company at $2.1 billion and raised $650 million. Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 16 Nov. 2023 Memories flood back of his own childhood and youth, scarred by his parents’ religious fanaticism, climaxing in mother Montse channeling her narcissism into declaring herself the daughter of God. John Hopewell, Variety, 14 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'climax.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

Late Latin, from Greek klimax, literally, ladder, from klinein to lean

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1538, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1807, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of climax was circa 1538

Dictionary Entries Near climax

Cite this Entry

“Climax.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/climax. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

climax

1 of 2 noun
cli·​max ˈklī-ˌmaks How to pronounce climax (audio)
1
a
: the highest point
the storm had reached its climax
b
: the point of highest dramatic interest or a major turning point in the action (as of a play)
c
: orgasm
2
: a relatively stable ecological stage or community especially when it is the final one in a series of ecological stages or communities

climax

2 of 2 verb
: to come or bring to a climax
Etymology

Noun

from Latin climax "arrangement of words or phrases in increasing forcefulness," from Greek klimax "ladder," from klinein "to lean, recline" — related to climate, clinic

Medical Definition

climax

noun
cli·​max ˈklī-ˌmaks How to pronounce climax (audio)
1
: the highest or most intense point
2
: orgasm
3

More from Merriam-Webster on climax

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