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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 by in ).
  2. to end or arrive at a final stage (usually followed by in ):

    The argument culminated in a fistfight.

  3. to rise to or form an apex; terminate (usually followed by in ):

    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. whenintr, usually foll by in 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.

Tensions are also running high within Trump's cabinet over Musk's interference, culminating in a heated shouting match in the West Wing recently between the billionaire adviser and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

From

Yet the transition from Klopp to Slot has been seamless, culminating in Liverpool needing just one more point to win the championship for a record-equalling 20th time.

From

Those "little green men" marked the start of Russia's war on Ukraine, which culminated in the 2022 full-scale invasion.

From

Growing up in East Kilbride, Fraser was bullied at school "because he was different", culminating in a violent gang attack when he was a teenager.

From

Here is a look at how some have been celebrating the holiday as days of festivities culminate in Easter Sunday.

From

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