WORD OF THE DAY
When something seems like it's going to be exciting but then it lets you down, that's anticlimactic. An anticlimactic fireworks display would be brief and boring, with subdued pops of muted sparkles.
The Greek root of anticlimactic means "down a ladder," and that's exactly how it feels to experience something anticlimactic, as if you expected to go higher but you're suddenly near the bottom of the ladder. In a scary movie, as the hero moves closer to the creepy basement door while terrifying music plays, it will be a bit anticlimactic if the door swings open to reveal a mewing kitten.
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Vocabulary lists containing anticlimactic
This vocabulary list features words with the common prefix that means "against" and "before."
In this exposé, the journalist goes undercover to learn about the struggles of low-wage workers in the United States.
This vocabulary list features words with the Greek roots ant and anti meaning "against, opposed to, or preventative."
Twelve-year-old aspiring artist Zailey S. is curious about what she looks like, to herself and the world outside Gladder Hill.
On her eleventh birthday, Kate's uncle gives her a magical train that whisks Kate and her brother off on a series of adventures.
