doom 1 of 2

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
Rather than a sense of doom and gloom, Chelsea left Newcastle on Sunday with high hopes that their target for the Premier League season can be achieved. Simon Johnson, New York Times, 13 May 2025 Wolfe drew inspiration for the show during the COVID-19 pandemic after doom scrolling through TikTok and catching a glimpse of Mayan, who was clearing up rumors about her parents’ divorce while twerking upside down. Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2025
Verb
But just because our brains tend to focus on the bad stuff doesn’t mean we’re doomed to be chronically pessimistic. Jenna Ryu, SELF, 26 May 2025 If Paul struggles the entire offense is doomed because Miami doesn’t have a quality backup on the roster. Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for doom
Recent Examples of Synonyms for doom
Noun
  • The judge granted that additional time in the Tuesday ruling, giving the Administration until Wednesday to file its response and setting a hearing for the following day.
    Nik Popli, Time, 11 June 2025
  • However, given that litigation can take months or longer and given that Coley wants to play this fall, Dever’s ruling deals a major blow to Coley’s chances to be eligible for the 2025 season.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 10 June 2025
Noun
  • Imagine for a moment the great leaders who have changed the destiny of humanity.
    Veronica Angela, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
  • But the Pacers seem to be the team of destiny, always seemingly finding ways to win.
    Matt Levine, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 June 2025
Noun
  • So while Oyun-Erdene’s demise was likely rooted in factional bickering rather than a nefarious power grab, the debacle contains a stark warning that Mongolia’s political class needs to start pulling in the same direction for cherished freedoms to be secured.
    Charlie Campbell, Time, 13 June 2025
  • So basically, their awful demise is now a sense of joy for the people that are down there digging up the bones.
    Ari Daniel, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 June 2025
Verb
  • The Blues can also free up the requested cap space, if needed, with Torey Krug destined for LTIR.
    James Mirtle, New York Times, 2 June 2025
  • Case in point: Singer Reneé Rapp recently said her mother helped her become destined for stardom with her name choice.
    Melissa Willets, Parents, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • However, he was released in 1991 after serving two and a half years, then sentenced to 25 years to life in 2013 after violating probation.
    Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2025
  • Johnson was convicted in 1996 and sentenced to life behind bars for her nonviolent role as part of a Memphis, Tenn., cocaine trafficking ring.
    Brian Mann, NPR, 31 May 2025
Noun
  • Written in Latin, the coroners' rolls are records of sudden or suspicious deaths as investigated by a jury of local men, called together by the coroner to establish facts and reach a verdict.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 6 June 2025
  • Jurors ended the day without a verdict and are due back in Manhattan Supreme Court Monday morning.
    Julian Roberts-Grmela, New York Daily News, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • Fallout from President Trump’s break with Elon Musk is roiling a Republican Party that was already divided over the fate of the president’s landmark legislation.
    Michael Wilner, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2025
  • Another issue of concern for Beijing is the fate of Chinese students in the US.
    Nectar Gan, CNN Money, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • Mosquitoes are a true scourge, responsible for up to one million human deaths per year.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
  • Some shook their legs nervously, others gave death glares to folks with the misfortune of sitting on creaky chairs.
    Omkar Khandekar, NPR, 8 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Doom.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/doom. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on doom

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!