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
Ludwig Göransson’s phenomenal score backs Coogler up, layering fiddles over doom metal as if they were meant to harmonize. Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2025 Abby and Ellie go their separate ways, and there’s a sense of hope amid the doom that Part II creates. Barry Levitt, Time, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
Tim Lammers On the flip side, bad or middling reviews — like A Minecraft Movie received — have shown that sour notices don’t doom a movie’s financial prospects, and critics will be reminded of that again this weekend when the film mines more box office gold. Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025 By now, captain and crew knew that the ship of dreams was doomed. Sean Kingsley, HollywoodReporter, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for doom
Recent Examples of Synonyms for doom
Noun
  • More: Donald Trump signs executive order requiring proof of citizenship in federal elections The ruling came in response to lawsuits by groups including the Democratic National Committee, the League of United Latin American Citizens and the League of Women's Education Fund.
    Brendan Pierson, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
  • The ruling, expected in June, could impact preventative care access for more than 150 million Americans.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • While Bryson has always had Jamar around for advice and guidance, the elder Nesbit has seen his son take control of his destiny.
    Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 14 Apr. 2025
  • If the small distance between the white dwarfs wasn't evidence enough of their doomed destiny, their combined mass certainly sealed their fate.
    Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The 1982 film Missing, directed by Costa-Gavras, brought global attention to the case and implied U.S. involvement in Horman’s demise.
    Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
  • The current season of Sister Wives is showing how the Brown family continues to navigate life after the demise of their once-happy polygamous brood.
    Dory Jackson, People.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Lady Gaga was always destined to steal the show at Coachella as the biggest headliner at the festival this year.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Gordon’s dunk gave the Nuggets a 101-99 win over the LA Clippers to end Saturday afternoon’s thrilling Game 4 and even a series destined to go long at 2-2.
    Tony Jones, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Maxwell was sentenced in 2022 to 20 years in prison.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
  • The 64-year-old was sentenced to life in prison, with the possibility of parole after 30 years.
    Susan Mallie, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The Massachusetts woman is back in court after a first trial ended with a hung jury in July 2024 after the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict.
    Michael Loria, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
  • His decision eliminated the need for a weekslong, high-profile court battle that would almost certainly have ended in a guilty verdict.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • As the dust settles on season 1 of the series, the fate of Double K is still up in the air.
    Francesca Gariano, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Their first trial ended in a mistrial, when jurors couldn't agree on their fate.
    Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • For Pope Francis, Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, the church camerlengo, or cardinal chamberlain (the official that manages the household of the pope), presided over the certification of death and the placement of the body in a coffin.
    George Petras, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Itasca baseball shop sells card worth $1,200 to a 12-year-old for $12 Pope Francis’ cause of death revealed by the Vatican Advocate Health Care quietly pulled doctors out of Aurora’s Mercy Medical Center What is the Chicago Bears’ biggest need?
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 22 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Doom.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/doom. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

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