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View synonyms for

culminate

[kuhl-muh-neyt]

verb (used without object)

culminated, culminating 
  1. to reach the highest point, summit, or highest development (usually followed byin ).

  2. to end or arrive at a final stage (usually followed byin ).

    The argument culminated in a fistfight.

  3. to rise to or form an apex; terminate (usually followed byin ).

    The tower culminates in a tall spire.

  4. Astronomy.(of a celestial body) to be on the meridian, or reach the highest or the lowest altitude.



verb (used with object)

culminated, culminating 
  1. to bring to a close; complete; climax.

    The president's signature on this bill culminates an eight-year campaign for legislation to help individuals and families finance their long-term disability needs.

culminate

/ ˈʌɪˌԱɪ /

verb

  1. to end or cause to end, esp to reach or bring to a final or climactic stage

  2. (intr) (of a celestial body) to cross the meridian of the observer

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Word History and Origins

Origin of culminate1

First recorded in 1640–50; from Late Latin ܱٳܲ (past participle of ܱ to come to a peak), equivalent to Latin culmin- (stem of culmen ) “peak, top” + -ٳܲ -ate 1
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Word History and Origins

Origin of culminate1

C17: from Late Latin ܱ to reach the highest point, from Latin culmen top
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The effort, which unfolded gradually over the last 23 years, culminated in May as Western Rivers Conservancy turned over 14,968 acres to the Yurok Tribe.

From

It culminates traditionally in a Red Arrows flypast over Buckingham Palace, watched from the balcony by the Royal Family.

From

Footage from Tehran has shown what seem to be specific buildings hit, similar to images from Israel's attacks on the southern suburbs of Beirut, which culminated in the killing of Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah.

From

Walliams reportedly joined in with increasingly vigorous waves, which culminated in him holding out his arm in a Nazi salute.

From

One of the most memorable scenes is a fight between Yasmin and Harper, which culminates with them slapping each other.

From

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culminantculminating