doom 1 of 2

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
Casual, charming, wallet-friendly and a perfect replacement for cooking or doom-scrolling on the couch. Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 3 Feb. 2026 New Moon is decidedly the least-beloved Twilight movie due to its slower plot, excessive doom and gloom, and Edward's absence. Lincee Ray, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Feb. 2026
Verb
But those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Jan. 2026 Republicans are publicly calling for the removal of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and privately freaking out that her Minnesota mess will doom their chances of holding Congress in the 2026 midterms. Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for doom
Recent Examples of Synonyms for doom
Noun
  • According to the court ruling, in August 2023, while returning from the store, Landuga, who lived in Kurakhivka, in Donetsk region, saw Ukrainian soldiers at the home of her son’s godmother and in the barracks of the Military Mining Rescue Unit.
    Daria Tarasova-Markina, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Governor Newsom has indicated that the appropriate response to the court ruling is to focus on federal agents specifically rather than expanding the law to include state officers, suggesting these are separate issues that warrant different approaches.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Wakeland essentially controls their own playoff destiny with games against Reedy and The Colony on tap.
    Ishmael Johnson, Dallas Morning News, 11 Feb. 2026
  • But Kaszas’ ultimate destiny had nothing to do with inflicting — or receiving — bruises, contusions or broken limbs.
    George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • McDonald died of a heart attack in 2017, with the city’s medical examiner ruling his death a homicide, stating his demise was caused by complications from the 1986 shooting.
    Barry Williams, New York Daily News, 10 Feb. 2026
  • In a league where everyone is constantly predicting the demise of the running back position, Walker is proof that the old ways still work.
    Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 9 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Her subsequent eviction from the Beguines leads to her accepting the Bishop’s offer of sanctuary—as an anchorite, destined to live out her days in a tiny stone outcropping.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026
  • France's High Commission in French Polynesia The prosecutor's office did not bring charges so as not to burden the local court with a case of drug trafficking not destined for French Polynesia itself.
    CBS News, CBS News, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Last November, a court in Dhaka sentenced Hasina to death in absentia for her role in the unrest, in which the UN human rights office estimates around 1,400 people were killed.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Yarris, to be played by Brody, was the first person sentenced to death in Pennsylvania to be exonerated by DNA evidence.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 9 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • As the verdict was announced, his followers unleashed a wave of fury across Punjab and Haryana.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Their convictions come more than two years after another judge issued a mixed verdict involving other members of Misick’s Progressive National Party government who were accused of similar charges in the archipelago, located about 600 miles south of Florida.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 5 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • For stars, there are three main fates that a star can have, all of which are heavily dependent on their mass at birth.
    Big Think, Big Think, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Point Loma Nazarene University men’s and women’s teams are in Hawaii for three games this week that could decide their PacWest Conference fates.
    Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Through Van Der Beek’s wistful performance, viewers were given a window through which to grapple with betrayal, death, heartbreak and a litany of bad decisions.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 Feb. 2026
  • Little has been released about the shooting from the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, which did not publicly acknowledge the killing for more than 12 hours after Anthony Anderson’s death.
    Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Doom.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/doom. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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