calamity

noun

kə-ˈla-mə-tē How to pronounce calamity (audio)
Definition of calamitynext
as in disaster
a sudden violent event that brings about great loss or destruction this latest breakdown of the car is inconvenient, but not a calamity

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of calamity On the present trajectory, the US and China are hurtling toward the very calamity that Kissinger warned about. — Andy Browne, semafor.com, 15 Sep. 2026 Their images, as much as those from stationary TV cameras or professional photographers, became our window onto the calamity. — David Friend, Vanity Fair, 10 Sep. 2026 Minnesota Vikings What a calamity for Minnesota to let Sam Darnold go after a terrific 2024. — Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 6 Sep. 2026 George Joseph came of age during the Great Depression, a calamity that left with him with a stated desire to always have plenty of work to do. — Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for calamity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for calamity
  1. disaster
  2. catastrophe
  3. tragedy
  4. apocalypse
Noun
  • After the storms, Pritzker issued a state disaster proclamation that made additional state resources available for response and recovery, his office said.
    — Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Exhibitors include first responder agencies and non-governmental organizations that showcase new technologies, offer recruitment opportunities, and demonstrate local preparedness and disaster response capabilities.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of disaster
Noun
  • An institution built explicitly to neutralize biological catastrophes is now at the center of one.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 5 Oct. 2026
  • With climate change making natural disasters far more frequent, some consumers are turning to smaller off-grid electric networks to generate power in the event of a catastrophe.
    — Justin Klawans, TheWeek, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of catastrophe
Noun
  • His story does not add up; there is even more weirdness among extended family, and the tragedies pile up.
    — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2026
  • History repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce — or in this case, as an uncanny sort of San Francisco camp.
    — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of tragedy
Noun
  • The film is a satire about an impending climate change apocalypse that’s triggered by the drilling operations of oil tycoon Digger Rockwell, played by Cruise, who looks nearly unrecognizable clad in prosthetics and graying hair.
    — Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2026
  • In it, Cruise disappears behind makeup and prosthetics into the role of Texas oilman Digger Rockwell, whose company sparks an ecological disaster that could end in nuclear apocalypse.
    — Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of apocalypse

Browse Nearby Words

calamitous
calamity
calash
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Calamity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/calamity. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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