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
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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
The foreshadowing of their downfall is more interesting than anything else Porsha is bringing to the show in what was supposed to be her triumphant return.
—
Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 14 Apr. 2025
Of course, Lynn was as responsible for the White Sox’s downfall as much as any other player, posting a 6.47 ERA in 2023 and helping to create an unhealthy clubhouse culture.
—Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
The campaign ultimately led to the downfall of Bo Xilai, once a prominent contender for the Communist Party leadership.
—Wenxin Fan, NPR, 11 Apr. 2025
On Wednesday evening, Emery returns to Paris, in the competition which ultimately caused his downfall at the Parc des Princes.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for downfall
Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 14 Apr. 2025
Of course, Lynn was as responsible for the White Sox’s downfall as much as any other player, posting a 6.47 ERA in 2023 and helping to create an unhealthy clubhouse culture.
—Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
The campaign ultimately led to the downfall of Bo Xilai, once a prominent contender for the Communist Party leadership.
—Wenxin Fan, NPR, 11 Apr. 2025
On Wednesday evening, Emery returns to Paris, in the competition which ultimately caused his downfall at the Parc des Princes.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for downfall
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downfall
Noun
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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 news of his death began a nine-day period of mourning, known as Novendiale.—
Kirsty Hatcher,
People.com,
22 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Submersible visits over the years have shown an increase in its deterioration, with rust and microorganisms eating away at the ship's metal. Dives over more than a decade have shown the ship is falling apart.—
George Petras,
USA Today,
11 Apr. 2025
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That could mean that rate cuts are pushed off until much later this year or even delayed until next year if that deterioration takes time to materialize.—
Colby Smith,
New York Times,
7 Apr. 2025
Noun
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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
Noun
-
Pots will flood when the rain can't drain out and drown the roots.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
24 Apr. 2025
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About 5,000 residents who evacuated have since been allowed to return home, while authorities predict the fire will keep spreading until the area gets a soaking rain.—
Jenna Calderón,
USA Today,
24 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Faced with the raging wars of recent years, with their inhuman horrors and countless deaths and destruction, Pope Francis incessantly raised his voice imploring peace and calling for reason and honest negotiation to find possible solutions.—
ABC NEWS,
ABC News,
26 Apr. 2025
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From hurricanes to wildfires, the U.S. has endured 403 billion-dollar climate and weather disasters since 1980—leaving behind a trail of destruction that’s cost the country more than $2.9 trillion.—
Mindy Lubber,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Beyond infrastructure strain, our information environment also shows signs of degradation.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
25 Apr. 2025
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All penguins face threats created by climate change, overfishing, pollution, and habitat degradation.—
Kelli Bender,
People.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Income tax is more volatile and susceptible to the ups and downs within the economy, Greller said.—
Maya Wilkins,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Apr. 2025
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Valladolid’s supporters have remained loyal to their team through the ups and downs.—
Dermot Corrigan,
New York Times,
24 Apr. 2025
Noun
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East-Central Florida: Showers and isolated storms will be possible from mid to late afternoon, mainly near to northwest of the I-4 corridor.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2025
-
Sultans of Swing by British rock band Dire Straits, which has become the squad’s anthem of the season, went down a storm.—
James Pearce,
New York Times,
29 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Downfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downfall. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
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