doom 1 of 2

doom

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word doom distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of doom are destiny, fate, lot, and portion. While all these words mean "a predetermined state or end," doom distinctly implies a grim or calamitous fate.

if the rebellion fails, his doom is certain

When is destiny a more appropriate choice than doom?

The words destiny and doom can be used in similar contexts, but destiny implies something foreordained and often suggests a great or noble course or end.

the country's destiny to be a model of liberty to the world

When would fate be a good substitute for doom?

While in some cases nearly identical to doom, fate implies an inevitable and usually an adverse outcome.

the fate of the submarine is unknown

How are the words lot and portion related as synonyms of doom?

Both lot and portion imply a distribution by fate or destiny, lot suggesting blind chance.

it was her lot to die childless

In what contexts can portion take the place of doom?

Although the words portion and doom have much in common, portion implies the apportioning of good and evil.

remorse was his daily portion

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 doom
Noun
The Miami Marlins brought the final bit of doom to the Mets, defeating them 4-0 in the season finale on Sunday. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2025 For me, noir is the horror fiction of the crime genre, in which the main characters constantly make things worse for themselves in a claustrophobic, ever-tightening spiral of doom. Erik Pedersen, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025
Verb
To find the killer, Sherlock Holmes and Watson will have to brave desolate moors before a family curse dooms the newest heirs. Meredith G. White, AZCentral.com, 1 Oct. 2025 This discovery of the evolutionary fitness of human creativity seemed to doom the Army’s plan for ENIAC. Angus Fletcher, Big Think, 29 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for doom
Recent Examples of Synonyms for doom
Noun
  • While many Venezuelans have been released from ICE custody in the past week, their future unclear after the Supreme Court ruling.
    Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Gruden was the beneficiary of a key ruling in his case against the league in August as the Nevada Supreme Court determined that his case could proceed in court instead of arbitration.
    Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 4 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Supported by her ride or die mom and best friend, Savvy decides to take control of her destiny and sets out on some renovations, from her career to her kitchen.
    Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 30 Sep. 2025
  • As in 2007 and 2008, the Mets entered a final series against the Marlins in control of their destiny.
    Tim Britton, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Spotify has also hastened the demise of the album, as well as a world where the final product is used to promote the tour, rather than vice versa, alongside other pieces of merchandise like a T-shirt or poster.
    Roy Trakin, Rolling Stone, 1 Oct. 2025
  • That can cause all sorts of problems for the tree, often leading to its untimely demise.
    Viveka Neveln, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Sitting in class next to a star athlete destined for Division I football, the future comedy mogul listened as his teacher publicly humiliated him in front of his peers.
    Essence, Essence, 2 Oct. 2025
  • The popular narrative around Cowan — that he was destined for the Marlies because an AHL season would be good for his development — seemed to be coming to fruition.
    Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The defense tab, revealed last week when Javice was sentenced to seven years in prison, is roughly two-thirds of the $175 million the bank paid for Javice’s student-finance company, Frank.
    Sydney Lake, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Susie Jensen, the presiding judge, upheld the plea agreement and sentenced Law to the maximum punishment of 15 years behind bars, without the opportunity for parole.
    Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The verdict is still out as to whether September’s pullback in cattle futures is a temporary pause in an ongoing climb higher or the first sign of lasting relief in a costly beef cycle.
    Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025
  • After the verdict was read, Diddy turned to the jury, placing his hands in a prayer-like fashion, according to the Associated Press.
    Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Once the selloff happened, the Twins were destined to be awful for the final two months, all but sealing Baldelli’s fate.
    Aaron Gleeman, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
  • As fate would have it, the Padres came back from a 3-2 deficit with four runs in the inning for what turned out to be a 6-3 final.
    Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In 2023, there were seven positive cases and two deaths, and there were three positive cases and one death in 2022.
    Caroline Neal, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Oct. 2025
  • The initial air date would have been less than a month after Ozzy’s death, which came two weeks after the rock icon performed his final show, the all-star Back to the Beginning blow-out, at his home soccer stadium, Villa Park, in his hometown of Birmingham, England.
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 1 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Doom.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/doom. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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