fate 1 of 2

Definition of fatenext
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fate

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word fate distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of fate are destiny, doom, lot, and portion. While all these words mean "a predetermined state or end," fate implies an inevitable and usually an adverse outcome.

the fate of the submarine is unknown

When is it sensible to use destiny instead of fate?

The words destiny and fate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

Where would doom be a reasonable alternative to fate?

The synonyms doom and fate are sometimes interchangeable, but doom distinctly implies a grim or calamitous fate.

if the rebellion fails, his doom is certain

How do lot and portion relate to one another, in the sense of fate?

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 fate?

While in some cases nearly identical to fate, 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 fate
Noun
Nothing is more certainly written in the book of fate that these people are to be free. Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026 Here is where Salvador can see the ultimate deadly fate for Carmen who will be murdered by a soldier, Jose (Carl Malapa). Pete Hammond, Deadline, 23 June 2026
Verb
Among the historic attractions dotting Route 66, there may be none more hapless and ill fated as the Aztec Hotel in Monrovia. Assistant Editor, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026 And yet as the series expands from and twists around its simple horror concept (a wedding at the groom-to-be’s family house in the woods is fated for a titular dark catastrophe), Morrone’s performance as Rachel is able to shoulder the weight of quite a bit of backstory and a complicated endgame. Joe Reid, Vulture, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for fate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fate
Noun
  • Now, the latest Knicks legend in the Brunson family is helping chart a new destiny for the team.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 15 June 2026
  • Indeed, the belief that America’s destiny is larger than a troubled present assists the evasion.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 June 2026
Noun
  • Nonetheless, Ossoff will have to appeal to independents, who will decide the outcome, according to Charles Bullock, a University of Georgia political science professor and expert on Southern politics.
    Jay Stahl, USA Today, 18 June 2026
  • Researchers have documented positive mental health outcomes associated with participating in BDSM play, including decreasing levels of cortisol, often called our stress hormone.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 June 2026
Noun
  • In a sense, Western multinationals unwittingly created their chief global competitors, along with the conditions for their own demise.
    Andy Browne, semafor.com, 23 June 2026
  • Iserson also touched on Ponies‘ modest viewership, which ultimately led to its demise despite strong critical acclaim.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • Federal customs officials at Washington Dulles Airport seized 139 pounds of Ethiopian khat, a plant chewed for its amphetamine-like effect, that was destined for Sacramento.
    Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 18 June 2026
  • In that sense, like the recordings at the center of her film, McKendrick’s third feature feels destined to become a keepsake.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • As a result, the concept of animal rights was non-existent and people were free to treat animals like any other inanimate property.
    Rob Toews, Forbes.com, 22 June 2026
  • Whatever the reasons, the result is somewhat ironic.
    Jack Bantock, CNN Money, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • It was first adopted in 2017 with a goal of reaching zero traffic deaths by 2027.
    Brady Halbleib, CBS News, 18 June 2026
  • In an effort to conceal the causes of death, Sit impersonated the owners and had the dogs cremated, according to prosecutors.
    Seamus Bozeman Follow, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • Instead of being doomed to spiral into the sun, our planet could survive if the sun loses enough mass during its final stages.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 20 June 2026
  • The vessel split in two and sank within minutes, dooming most of the Allied prisoners trapped below deck.
    Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • Studies on footing ramped up in intensity after the 2004 Athens Olympics, a Games that was quickly defined by concerns around the intensity of the heat and the resultant firmness of the going at the grassed Markopoulo Arena.
    Tilly Berendt, New York Times, 11 June 2026
  • This is because, as the authors of the study note, people holding grudges tend to feel a sense of righteousness surrounding their hurt, as well as with their experience of the resultant grudge itself.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fate. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.

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