Culminate: meaning, definitions and examples

When describing a process or series of events that leads to a final point or outcome.

• The ceremony culminated in a grand fireworks display
• His efforts culminated in a successful product launch

In storytelling, speeches, or any narrative to indicate the most intense or exciting moment.

• The movie’s climax was both thrilling and unexpected
• The novel builds up to a dramatic climax that keeps readers on edge

When referring to the highest point of physical achievement, condition, or performance.

• Athletes train constantly to reach their peak performance
• The stock market hit its peak last year

When referring to the highest point of a mountain or metaphorically, the highest level of leadership or success, often in a formal context.

• After hours of climbing, they finally reached the summit
• World leaders gathered for a summit to discuss climate change

To describe the highest point of achievement or the most successful stage in someone's career or life.

• Winning the Nobel Prize was the pinnacle of her career
• He's at the pinnacle of his profession

Used to describe something reaching its highest point or most important part, often after a long period of development.

• The festival will culminate in a grand fireworks display
• Her years of research culminated in a Nobel Prize

Appropriate when talking about finishing something formally, such as a meeting, report, or agreement.

• The conference will conclude with a keynote speech
• They concluded the contract negotiations successfully

Commonly used when completing a task or activity; often casual or informal.

• I need to finish my homework
• She finished reading the book

General term for stopping or finishing something; can be used in most situations.

• The movie will end in ten minutes
• His speech ended abruptly

Informal term used for finalizing or completing something, often in a conversational or project-oriented context.

• Let's wrap up this meeting and go to lunch
• He wrapped up the project just in time for the deadline