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Antonyms for climax

Grammar : Noun, verb
Spell : klahy-maks
Phonetic Transcription : ˈklaɪ mæks


Definition of climax

Origin :
  • 1580s, in the rhetorical sense (a chain of reasoning in graduating steps from weaker to stronger), from Late Latin climax (genitive climacis), from Greek klimax "propositions rising in effectiveness," literally "ladder," from root of klinein "to slope," from PIE root *klei- "to lean" (see lean (v.)).
  • The rhetorical meaning evolved in English through "series of steps by which a goal is achieved," to "escalating steps," to (1789) "high point of intensity or development," a usage credited by the OED to "popular ignorance." The meaning "sexual orgasm" is recorded by 1880 (also in terms such as climax of orgasm), said to have been promoted from c.1900 by birth-control pioneer Marie Stopes (1880-1958) and others as a more accessible word than orgasm (n.).
  • noun peak, culmination
  • verb come to top; culminate
Example sentences :
  • The solemn mysteries have their place, but it is one of climax.
  • Extract from : « The Conquest of Fear » by Basil King
  • The story has now reached a point which I cannot help regarding as its climax.
  • Extract from : « The Story of the Malakand Field Force » by Sir Winston S. Churchill
  • If he had been waiting for a climax, he was entirely satisfied.
  • Extract from : « Quaint Courtships » by Various
  • These words brought Pierre's disquietude and exasperation to a climax.
  • Extract from : « The Three Cities Trilogy, Complete » by Emile Zola
  • This was the climax of the prelate's favour, the apogee of his power.
  • Extract from : « The Three Cities Trilogy, Complete » by Emile Zola
  • And now came an incident which brought Pierre's emotion to a climax.
  • Extract from : « The Three Cities Trilogy, Complete » by Emile Zola
  • The woman now rose as if to meet a climax, but her eyes were still on the fire.
  • Extract from : « Southern Lights and Shadows » by Various
  • The spiritual tension of the evening reached its climax: he could bear no more.
  • Extract from : « Beauty and The Beast, and Tales From Home » by Bayard Taylor
  • What should be the climax of a triumphant argument becomes its refutation.
  • Extract from : « Shelley, Godwin and Their Circle » by H. N. Brailsford
  • The third of Shelley's visions of perfection is the climax of Hellas.
  • Extract from : « Shelley, Godwin and Their Circle » by H. N. Brailsford

Synonyms for climax

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019