as in disastrous
bringing about ruin or misfortune
a damning flaw in the program cost the company millions of dollars
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in cursing
to use profane or obscene language at or about
damned the car for once again breaking down
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in denouncing
to declare to be morally wrong or evil
a heresy that was quickly damned by a hastily called church council
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in sentencing
to impose a judicial punishment on
damned him to life in prison without the possibility of parole
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 damning
David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 15 Oct. 2025
Mullally’s appointment comes 11 months after the previous archbishop, Justin Welby, resigned after a damning report into his handling of the case of a prolific child abuser associated with the church.
—Jamie Gray, NBC news, 3 Oct. 2025
Shaad D’souza, Pitchfork, 18 Sep. 2025
The chapter’s complaint noted the fraudulent and missing invoices, misappropriation of funds, questionable accounting and conflicts of interest that led to the national NAACP’s investigation into the officials and that highlight a damning Sacramento County audit released this spring.
—Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for damning
Adjective
Perhaps that’s by design, and Byun is bending his own form towards a damning commentary on universal self-interest — even in the face of a crisis.
—David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 15 Oct. 2025
Mullally’s appointment comes 11 months after the previous archbishop, Justin Welby, resigned after a damning report into his handling of the case of a prolific child abuser associated with the church.
—Jamie Gray, NBC news, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
That these famous names were dedicating time and energy to the cause nearly two years later felt to me like a poor attempt to rectify what felt like eons of damning, upsetting silence.
—Shaad D’souza, Pitchfork, 18 Sep. 2025
The chapter’s complaint noted the fraudulent and missing invoices, misappropriation of funds, questionable accounting and conflicts of interest that led to the national NAACP’s investigation into the officials and that highlight a damning Sacramento County audit released this spring.
—Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for damning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for damning
Adjective
-
Since the election, Democrats have worked to recruit candidates and relay messaging with the goal of resonating with voters after a disastrous 2024.—
Sydney Topf,
The Washington Examiner,
25 Oct. 2025
-
Report Despite a disastrous start to the season, the Ravens hope to turn around their fortunes by beating a Bears team on a four-game winning streak.—
Jordan Sigler,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Another video circulated widely the same week capturing the California Democrat cursing when a staffer entered the background of her Zoom interview shot.—
Jason Lemon,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
-
In the midst of the chaos, Kendall accused Corey of cursing at her.—
Andrea Wurzburger,
PEOPLE,
14 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Sarah Ferguson, Andrew’s ex-wife, also apologized to Epstein for publicly denouncing him.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
24 Oct. 2025
-
In her later years, she became known as an outspoken activist for animal rights and for voicing strong, controversial opinions — such as denouncing the #MeToo movement in 2018.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Mark Stoner stepped down as judge in 2024 Stoner was the same judge who drew the ire of Indianapolis' police union in 2024 for sentencing police officer Breann Leath's killer to 25 years in prison rather than 63 requested by prosecutors.—
Ryan Murphy,
IndyStar,
21 Oct. 2025
-
Even after those verdicts, sentencing for two of the defendants stalled for months — and in one case, more than two years — amid claims of ineffective lawyering and health problems.—
Tim Stelloh,
NBC news,
10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Overall, prosecutors allege the nearly three-dozen defendants cheated unfortunate players out of at least $7 million.—
Ben Brachfeld,
PEOPLE,
28 Oct. 2025
-
The knee injury marks an unfortunate end to Duck’s second season.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
27 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
And Bina remains as stridently anti-Joanne as ever, banning her from the Roklovs’ weekly Shabbat dinner and blaming her when Noah is passed over for the promotion.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
23 Oct. 2025
-
Hawley's bill came amid heated inter-party disagreements over long-term spending priorities, with each party blaming the other for the growing risk to essential services.—
Hollie Silverman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
By the mid-1920s, political violence had ebbed, as pro-republican political leaders got a handle on the country’s dire economic condition and joined hands in condemning acts of violence.—
Time,
Time,
23 Oct. 2025
-
Investigative news site Mediapart, which first broke the news of links between the funding of Sarkozy’s presidential election campaign and Gaddafi, put up a special edition pushing back on political support for Sarkozy as well as coverage in right-leaning outlets condemning his treatment.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Such a slow start proved fatal to Yeovil, who went on to finish bottom of the table after being made to wait until October 26 for their first Huish Park victory at the seventh attempt.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
-
Shortly after being taken away by paramedics, the father of Owens' four children was informed over the phone that her injury proved fatal.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
22 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Damning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/damning. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share