1
as in death
something that is the cause of one's ultimate failure or loss of life
an insatiable love of money would be their downfall
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in deterioration
a change to a lower state or level
the gradual downfall of the Roman Empire
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in demise
a loss of status
an ill-advised speech that proved to be the cause of the candidate's downfall
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in rain
a steady falling of water from the sky in significant quantity
we ducked under an overhang to shelter ourselves from the sudden downfall
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of downfall
Even moments of capture or downfall adhered to this grammar, carefully staged to communicate rupture and finality.
—
Debbie Millman, Time, 7 Jan. 2026
Continue reading … FREEDOM RISING – Cuban refugees celebrate Maduro's downfall as Venezuela targets opposition.
—FOXNews.com, 7 Jan. 2026
What led to Martin University's downfall Trustees say that Martin's mission to educate a dwindling number of lower-income students has posed a severe financial challenge.
—Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 6 Jan. 2026
Both Andrew and Ferguson were at church on Easter Sunday along with the rest of the royal family as recently as last year, before the latest chapter in his public downfall took place in October.
—Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for downfall
Debbie Millman, Time, 7 Jan. 2026
Continue reading … FREEDOM RISING – Cuban refugees celebrate Maduro's downfall as Venezuela targets opposition.
—FOXNews.com, 7 Jan. 2026
What led to Martin University's downfall Trustees say that Martin's mission to educate a dwindling number of lower-income students has posed a severe financial challenge.
—Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 6 Jan. 2026
Both Andrew and Ferguson were at church on Easter Sunday along with the rest of the royal family as recently as last year, before the latest chapter in his public downfall took place in October.
—Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for downfall
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downfall
Noun
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The research accounted for reduced availability of key nutrients in seafood, including calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, protein and iron -- the loss of which can be linked to increases in disease risk and additional deaths.—
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
15 Jan. 2026
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Evan Peters and Rebecca Hall play government agents investigating some mysterious deaths of some very hot people, with Isabella Rossellini and Anthony Ramos also starring.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
15 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Footage of the bunker’s deterioration has attracted global attention after Robinson and Charlton began posting videos online.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
14 Jan. 2026
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It is intended to slow the deterioration of streets that currently are in good condition, which is considered vital to improving the overall condition of San Diego’s network of roads, according to the city.—
Ashley Mackin Solomon,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Mosley challenged his team to take care of the basketball and play with better energy and effort from the jump — two key factors that led to Orlando‘s demise at Washington.—
Jason Beede,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 Jan. 2026
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Injuries played a big role in the team’s demise, especially on the offensive line.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
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After spending the day in Seward, guests can embark on a cruise to see Kenai Fjords' coastal rain forests, glaciers, and—typically—wildlife such as puffins, seals, and whales.—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Jan. 2026
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Some of my favorites include these knee-high black suede boots that would look sleek worn with a midi skirt or dress and an adorable pair of Ugg olive-green rain boots that come with a removable wool sock.—
Izzy Baskette,
PEOPLE,
15 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Taking office as a result of the most corrupt Election ever seen in the United States, Biden oversaw a series of unprecedented disasters that brought our Nation to the brink of destruction.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
PEOPLE,
14 Jan. 2026
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Tony Blain, who resigned from his council seat last fall, is also accused of destruction of public documents and misdemeanor petty theft, according to the criminal complaint filed in October.—
Caleb Lunetta,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Take this eye cream—retinol, Indonesian ginger, and iris extract are an unexpected trio that prevent the degradation of and promote the creation of collagen, increase hyaluronic acid production, improve circulation, firm, and plump skin.—
Tamim Alnuweiri,
InStyle,
14 Jan. 2026
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But the ambiance impulse seems less about attention degradation than creating a magic circle around reading and deepening a sense of fantasy and escape.—
James Folta,
Literary Hub,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Their relationship hasn't been without bumps — the pair briefly split in 2015 — but the couple has managed to weather the ups and downs.—
Stephanie Sengwe,
PEOPLE,
13 Jan. 2026
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The Chargers’ final five possessions ended with three punts, a fumble and a turnover on downs.—
Los Angeles Times staff,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
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There is potential for a coastal storm Thursday and or Friday, but confidence is low.—
Andrew Kozak,
CBS News,
11 Jan. 2026
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There’s roughly two and a half months left of the winter season, which means that there are plenty of chilly evenings, snow storms, and freeze warnings to look forward to.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Downfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downfall. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.
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