Crescendo: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this word in the context of music, arts, or any growing increase in intensity or volume. It can also describe a process or event that is building up.

• The orchestra's performance reached a thrilling crescendo.
• The campaign built up to a crescendo of support.

This word is broadly used to describe the most intense or exciting part of a story, an event, or a situation. It is suitable for both narrative and real-life contexts.

• The movie's climax was absolutely breathtaking.
• The heated debate reached its climax when both parties refused to back down.

This word is versatile and can be used to describe the highest point in a physical, emotional, or performance context. It is suitable for casual and professional use.

• The mountain peak was covered in snow.
• She was at the peak of her physical fitness.
• His career peaked when he won the award.

This word is often used in a more formal or literary context to describe the highest point or the pinnacle of someone’s skill, career, or health.

• She reached the acme of her career when she was appointed CEO.
• His latest work represents the acme of his artistic talent.

Used to describe a gradual increase in intensity, often in music, but can be applied to any situation where something is building up slowly.

• The music reached a thunderous crescendo.
• The tension in the story began to rise, creating a dramatic crescendo as the movie progressed.

Refers to the most intense, exciting, or important point of something. It is often used in storytelling, in literature and films, to denote the turning point or peak of action.

• The movie's climax was a breathtaking chase scene.
• The story reached its climax when the hero faced the villain.

Describes the highest or most important level of something, often used in non-narrative contexts like physical achievements, performance levels, or descriptive peaks of mountains.

• He was at the peak of his career when he decided to retire.
• The view from the mountain's peak was breathtaking.

Describes the final or highest point of something after a gradual build-up. Often used in formal contexts or when discussing a series of events leading to a final outcome.

• The championship game was the culmination of a season of hard work.
• Her promotion was the culmination of years of dedication and effort.