Definition of doomnext

doom

2 of 2

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
Yet one demographic may still have some reason to restrict their doom-scrolling and YouTube watching – pregnant mothers. — New Atlas, 24 Sep. 2026 Muse monetization won't be about addictive engagement or doom scrolling. — Zev Fima, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2026
Verb
On the other hand, don’t assume that everyone currently at HBO Max is safe and everyone at Paramount is doomed. — Josef Adalian, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026 The Aggies poor play doomed them to an 0-2 start in SEC play as the Wildcats outplayed them at home in the conference opener before the Tigers rocked them in the team’s first road game of the year. — Peter Warren, Houston Chronicle, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for doom
Recent Examples of Synonyms for doom
Noun
  • Following the ruling, Benson drowns her sorrows over cocktails with Sharpe, and, in a revealing, impeccably acted scene, airs out her grievances about her job.
    — Marlow Stern, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The commission's conclusion was not a ruling by an international court.
    — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Thus, although Sanjak the spy might have been portrayed as an evil agent, many readers cheered this original, unapologetic character who took control of her destiny and challenged traditional gender norms.
    — Gaby Iori October 7, Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Noir, by contrast, brooks no such substitutions, because its conception of authenticity cannot allow for alternative destinies.
    — Harmon Siegel, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • In a conversation with THR, Sloyan dissects playing Margaret, the character’s dark path, surprise reveal, her demise and her pitch for a Margaret prequel.
    — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 11 Oct. 2026
  • All of us owe the foursome a thanks for hastening the demise of the old Latino political machines that birthed them and kept the city stuck in tribalism for too long.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Some survive because treatment works, not because the cancer was detected earlier; others survive because they were overdiagnosed (diagnosed with a cancer not destined to cause symptoms or death).
    — H. Gilbert Welch, STAT, 6 Oct. 2026
  • If not, they are destined to bow out much earlier than anyone wants.
    — Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Caleb Flynn, a pastor who competed on American Idol season 12, has been sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole for murdering his wife, Ashley Flynn, AP News reports.
    — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Zhang pleaded no contest to conspiring to commit pimping and was sentenced to two years’ probation.
    — Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Kang also points to the pairing of family drama with a mystery that keeps forcing audiences to rethink both the characters and their own verdicts.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
  • In recent years, The 50 has grown to become quite the list factory, turning out influential annual verdicts on the world’s best restaurant (Maido in Lima), hotel (Rosewood Hong Kong) and vineyard (Vik in Chile’s Millahue Valley).
    — Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The fate of Sierra is in the hands of 12 jurors who are tasked with deciding whether Sierra, who pleaded guilty to the murders, should be condemned to death or sentenced to life in prison.
    — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2026
  • With the fate of the Protect College Sports Act in limbo in Congress, the NCAA will need to continue litigating lawsuits over player eligibility.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 5 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The University of Iowa in March estimated by the end of 2026 there will be 21,700 new cancer diagnoses in the state and 6,400 new cancer deaths.
    — Gabrielle M. Etzel, The Washington Examiner, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Each of the six main suspects get their chance to give their version of events on the day of Jodie’s death, effectively supplying their own alibis.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Doom.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/doom. Accessed 12 Oct. 2026.

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