Synonyms for

Meltdown

Verb / ˈmeˌltdaʊn / Another word for meltdown — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

A severe overheating of a nuclear reactor core resulting in melting of the core and escape of radiation.

Synonyms & similar words

nuclearmeltdown catastrophe disaster crash breakdown collapse failure debacle fiasco ruin downfall ruination seizure blowout explosion eruption outburst mishap accident misfortune calamity

Synonyms by register

Formal

collapse deterioration breakdown failure

Informal

freak-out flip-out losing it going ballistic

Literary

unraveling dissolution implosion

Antonyms

calm stability serenity composure equilibrium steadiness

Common collocations

  • emotional meltdown
  • nervous breakdown
  • economic meltdown
  • nuclear meltdown
  • stock market meltdown
  • total meltdown

Word family

noun meltdown
verb melt down
adjective meltdown-prone

Usage note

Primarily used informally to describe an extreme emotional outburst. Can also refer to a catastrophic failure, especially in technical or economic contexts.

Example sentences

  1. After the meltdown, the nuclear power plant had to be shut down permanently.
  2. The stock market experienced a meltdown during the financial crisis.
  3. The ice cream cone melted down quickly in the hot sun.
  4. The toddler had a meltdown in the grocery store when his mom wouldn't buy him candy.
  5. The company suffered a meltdown when its CEO was arrested for fraud.

Quotes

  • A meltdown is a terrible thing.
  • The fear of nuclear meltdown is a real concern.
  • Sometimes a little meltdown is necessary to clear the air.

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