ANTICLIMACTIC

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does anticlimactic mean? 

• ANTICLIMACTIC (adjective)
  The adjective ANTICLIMACTIC has 2 senses:

1. of or relating to a sudden change from an impressive to a ludicrous style

2. coming after the climax especially of a dramatic or narrative plot

  Familiarity information: ANTICLIMACTIC used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• ANTICLIMACTIC (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Of or relating to a sudden change from an impressive to a ludicrous style

Classified under:

Relational adjectives (pertainyms)

Synonyms:

anticlimactic; anticlimactical

Pertainym:

anticlimax (a change from a serious subject to a disappointing one)

Derivation:

anticlimax (a change from a serious subject to a disappointing one)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Coming after the climax especially of a dramatic or narrative plot

Context example:

everything after the discovery of the murderer was anticlimactic

Antonym:

climactic (consisting of or causing a climax)

Derivation:

anticlimax (a disappointing decline after a previous rise)