as in excitable
bringing about a relief from strong emotions usually by expressing them
It was very cathartic to finally tell my childhood bully exactly what I thought of him.
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in drug
a substance used to induce or speed up the process of defecation
Epsom salts, when ingested, act as a cathartic.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of cathartic
Joshua Rivera, Vulture, 21 Apr. 2025
The subject of joy is a main theme of his most recent and excellent album, the cathartic Wild God.
—David Chiu, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
Molly Longman, refinery29.com, 11 Jan. 2021
See All Example Sentences for cathartic
Adjective
Removing those hazards is cathartic — and Last of Us wants to complicate that catharsis, often leaving you with no other options.
—Noun
Some people find free-writing in a journal cathartic.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for cathartic
Adjective
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The most reliably entertaining are the dryly sardonic Yelena Belova (Pugh) and the excitable, histrionic Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian (a showily outsized Harbour).—
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Specifically, her plans to reform the taxation of capital gains have alarmed more than a few wealthy (and excitable) taxpayers.—
Noun
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Married since 2013, the couple started trying for their fourth baby with the help of fertility drugs.—
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With an intensive course of anti-tuberculosis antibiotics and an anti-inflammatory drug, the man's symptoms gradually began to ease.—
Adjective
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That tension, both emotional and class-based, gave the film a new dynamic.—
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Lawrence — mother to two children now — was visibly emotional talking about working with Ramsay on the subject matter.—
Noun
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Sales of purgatives, tonics, syrups and patent medicines like Carter’s Little Liver Pills went through the roof as ordinary people were encouraged to closely monitor the frequency and quality of their bowel movements.—
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Or merely the tall-tale purgative of a frantic Purgatorian?—
Adjective
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While seemingly indifferent, like Yi-young, Gi-on actually finds the department exciting and wants to stay.—
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There were a variety of topics covered today, including what the ramifications of failing to qualify for the Champions League would be, who should replace Alexander Isak against Everton if the striker is declared unfit, Sean Longstaff's future, and whether exciting, marquee signings will arrive.—
Noun
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The small-molecule medications subject to the pill penalty are often more affordable, easier to distribute and more accessible to patients.—
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Be sure to safely dispose of prescriptions and OTC medications using a local drug take-back program.—
Adjective
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It’s got a wide range from super fine powdery grains to cracked peppercorns and has impressive output with fewer twists.—
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Throughout the past three seasons, the show has also boasted an impressive roster of A-list guest stars, including Jamie Lee Curtis, Joel McHale, John Mulaney, Bob Odenkirk, Will Poulter, Olivia Colman, Sarah Paulson, Molly Ringwald, John Cena and Josh Hartnett.—
Noun
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Huntley’s healing came, in part, through nature and plant medicine.—
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Laughter is truly the best medicine for stress and anxiety.—
Cite this Entry
“Cathartic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cathartic. Accessed 23 May. 2025.
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