What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
graduation
Example
I'm so excited for my graduation ceremony next week! [graduation: noun]
Example
After four years of hard work, I finally graduated from college. [graduated: past tense verb]
culmination
Example
The concert was the culmination of months of rehearsals and preparation. [culmination: noun]
Example
All of her hard work over the years led to the culmination of her success. [culmination: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Graduation is a more common term than culmination, especially in academic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between graduation and culmination?
Culmination is a more formal term than graduation and is often used in professional or academic contexts.