goddamn
14 synonyms and 0 antonyms for goddamn, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Intj — An exclamation used to express anger, shock, frustration, or strong excitement.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use goddamn
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Considered mild-to-moderate profanity; common in casual speech and film/TV dialogue, but avoided in professional or polite writing.
Etymology
Formed from "God" and "damn" — originally a genuine plea for divine punishment on someone, now used mainly as a raw expression of emotion rather than a literal curse.
Full origin of goddamn →Frequently asked questions
What does “goddamn” mean?
The word “goddamn” means an exclamation used to express anger, shock, frustration, or strong excitement. In plain terms, a forceful swear word used either as an outburst on its own or as an intensifier before a noun, similar to "damn" but stronger.
How do you pronounce “goddamn”?
“Goddamn” is pronounced god-DAM (/ˌɡɒdˈdæm/ in IPA).
How do you use “goddamn” in a sentence?
Here is “goddamn” used in a sentence: “Goddamn, that was a close call!”
What is another word for “goddamn”?
Words with a similar meaning to “goddamn” include godsdamn, goddamned, gorram, dadgum, goldarn and goshdarn.
What part of speech is “goddamn”?
Depending on how it is used, “goddamn” can be an intj and an adjective.
Is “goddamn” a common word?
“Goddamn” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “goddamn” have?
“Goddamn” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an exclamation used to express anger, shock, frustration, or strong excitement.
Is goddamn considered offensive?
Yes, many people consider 'goddamn' offensive because it pairs a religious reference with a curse, and it can be read as both blasphemous and vulgar. It is generally avoided in formal, professional, or polite settings, where milder substitutes are preferred.
What is the difference between goddamn and goddamned?
The two are closely related forms used as intensifiers showing annoyance. 'Goddamned' is the participle-style spelling and is sometimes felt to be slightly stronger, while 'goddamn' is more common directly before a noun, as in 'the goddamn car'.
When should you avoid using goddamn?
Avoid 'goddamn' in formal writing, professional communication, and any setting where religious language may cause offense. Milder alternatives such as 'darn', 'blasted', or 'doggone' are safer choices in polite company.
Does goddamn work as both an interjection and an adjective?
Yes. As an interjection it stands alone to express anger, shock, or frustration, while as an adjective it is placed before a noun purely for emphasis, usually signaling annoyance, as in 'the goddamn thing won't start'.