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
Choose someone who believes in your ability to live and doesn't give in to doom and gloom. Alysse Dalessandro, Health, 29 Mar. 2025 Even if their candidates don’t actually win either one of the Florida seats, coming close is a very good sign for Democrats, despite doom and gloom about the party’s future, analysts say. Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
The Bucks are looking more and more likely doomed to be stuck as the No. 6 seed, meaning the two teams would face off against one another in the first round of the playoffs. Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2025 Shauna then spies a swarm of moths attracted to a fluorescent light in the ceiling, dooming themselves to fly toward nothingness again and again and again. Erin Qualey, Vulture, 28 Mar. 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 comes as part of an ongoing lawsuit brought by the Democratic National Committee and several liberal voting rights organizations.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 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
  • Prior to the start of the Final Four, the negative storylines were well in place that the demise of March Madness was here during the NIL era of college basketball.
    DJ Siddiqi, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The tragic demise of Hamlet and Ophelia, driven by revenge and resulting in a watery end, were echoed by the death of two characters.
    Audrey Gibbs, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Cassandra is a clairvoyant who needs to protect three young women who are destined to develop superpowers who are targeted by a powerful assassin.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Douthat Trump Is on a Path to Failure The fact that Trump survived bad trajectories before doesn’t mean that this one is destined to reverse.
    David Pierson Joao Silva Julia Jacobs Ross Douthat, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Ray and his friend were sentenced to 10 days of pre-trial detention, which was previously extended to April 24.
    Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • By Tony Hicks | Bay City News A Salinas man was sentenced to more than six years in prison last month for felony child abuse, domestic violence, possession of child pornography, and other crimes.
    Bay City News Service, Mercury News, 13 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
  • The Italian Space Agency paid tribute to Pope Francis in the wake of his death early Monday morning (April 21).
    Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 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 27 Apr. 2025.

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