1
as in death
the permanent stopping of all the vital bodily activities
inherited all of the estate upon the sudden demise of his grandfather
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in termination
the act of ceasing to exist
the gradual demise of the Roman Empire over the course of several centuries
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in downfall
a loss of status
after her demise as the doyenne of New York society, the mere mention of her name was regarded as a faux pas
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to die
to stop living
our much beloved, recently demised leader
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of demise
Richard Haass, Foreign Affairs, 3 Sep. 2025
The celebrity chef’s raw and darkly humorous memoir explores her family’s demise and reconstruction — through divorce, estrangements, a brother’s sudden death and another’s suicide.
—Lizz Schumer, People.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Sean Kingsley, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 July 2022
Even the reports of the Suns’ demise that the Mavs created may be premature.
—Dallas News, 31 May 2022
See All Example Sentences for demise
Noun
As a result of these and other developments, declaring the demise of the two-state solution has become something of a cottage industry.
—Richard Haass, Foreign Affairs, 3 Sep. 2025
The celebrity chef’s raw and darkly humorous memoir explores her family’s demise and reconstruction — through divorce, estrangements, a brother’s sudden death and another’s suicide.
—Lizz Schumer, People.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Verb
According to James Sinclair, director of marine archaeology for the AllenX Maravillas project, the researchers are delving into the mystery of the ship’s demise by thoroughly mapping all of their finds.
—Sean Kingsley, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 July 2022
Even the reports of the Suns’ demise that the Mavs created may be premature.
—Dallas News, 31 May 2022
See All Example Sentences for demise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demise
Noun
-
Leaders from around the world mourned the death of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk after he was assassinated at a Utah university Wednesday.—
Ross O'Keefe,
The Washington Examiner,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Advertisement ‘This is war’ Several on the right have likened Kirk’s death to a declaration of war.—
Chad de Guzman,
Time,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
That communal void is felt by Craig Waterman (Robinson) following the termination of his brief friendship with Austin (Paul Rudd), the cool new neighbor who, in the first act, magically injects Craig’s life with a male friend group, outdoor adventures, jam sessions, and evening hangs.—
Chris O'Falt,
IndieWire,
12 Sep. 2025
-
The termination notice was sent on June 26 and Jones signed with the Clippers 13 days later.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The real hoax is that the Democrats are now using these victims to deflect from their party's spectacular downfall.—
Nick Mordowanec,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Spirit’s downfall is partly the result of higher interest rates.—
Frank Holmes,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Kirk promised that her husband will not have died in vain and said that instead his message would only become stronger.—
Michael Loria,
USA Today,
13 Sep. 2025
-
Daniel Crémieux, founder of the French menswear brand Crémieux, died Friday at age 87 at his home in Aix-en-Provence, France, surrounded by his family.—
Jean E. Palmieri,
Footwear News,
13 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The fate of higher education will determine the strength of our workforce, the pace of innovation, and America's global competitiveness.—
Leadership Brainery,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
-
With just 24 hours to decide the fate of the house, old resentments bubble up, secrets are exposed and shifting alliances test whatever bonds remain.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Wright notified the researchers of the dissolution a day later.—
Ella Nilsen,
CNN Money,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Advertisement Demonstrators are demanding the dissolution of parliament, mass resignation of lawmakers, immediate suspension of officials who ordered firing on protesters, and fresh elections.—
Charlie Campbell,
Time,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Then Nix and Harvey had a miscommunication that turned into a broken play, followed by a third-down incompletion to Engram that never looked quite right.—
Parker Gabriel,
Denver Post,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Without Jeanty being able to rifle off chunk yardage on downs, the team will remain one-dimensional behind the arm of Smith.—
James Brizuela,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
New residential property prices fell year-on-year during August in 65 out of 70 cities surveyed by the NBS, data also showed.—
Nino Paoli,
Fortune,
15 Sep. 2025
-
Penske’s complaint argues that practice isn’t a fair exchange and has caused significant financial harm, with the company’s affiliate revenue falling by more than a third (as a result of Google’s AI Overviews co-opting traffic that might have otherwise gone to Penske outlets).—
Andy Meek,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Demise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demise. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share