ANTICLIMAX

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does anticlimax mean? 

• ANTICLIMAX (noun)
  The noun ANTICLIMAX has 2 senses:

1. a disappointing decline after a previous rise

2. a change from a serious subject to a disappointing one

  Familiarity information: ANTICLIMAX used as a noun is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• ANTICLIMAX (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

A disappointing decline after a previous rise

Classified under:

Nouns denoting natural events

Context example:

the anticlimax of a brilliant career

Hypernyms ("anticlimax" is a kind of...):

downfall; fall (a sudden decline in strength or number or importance)

Derivation:

anticlimactic (coming after the climax especially of a dramatic or narrative plot)

Sense 2

Meaning:

A change from a serious subject to a disappointing one

Classified under:

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents

Synonyms:

anticlimax; bathos

Hypernyms ("anticlimax" is a kind of...):

close; closing; conclusion; end; ending (the last section of a communication)

Holonyms ("anticlimax" is a part of...):

story (a piece of fiction that narrates a chain of related events)

Derivation:

anticlimactic (of or relating to a sudden change from an impressive to a ludicrous style)