Synonyms of destiny

destiny

noun

ˈde-stə-nē 

as in fate

a state or end that seemingly has been decided beforehand

I just knew that it wasn't my destiny to end up in a dead-end job

Synonyms & Similar Words

• fate
• fortune
• luck
• doom
• circumstance
• chance
• accident
• portion
• kismet
• hazard
• lot
• outcome
• predestination
• happenstance
• effect
• development
• happenchance
• result
• issue
• casualty
• hap
• consequence
• sequence
• aftermath
• sequel
• upshot
• resultant
• conclusion
• fruit
• outgrowth
• aftereffect

Synonym Chooser

How is the word destiny distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of destiny are doom, fate, lot, and portion. While all these words mean "a predetermined state or end," 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 could doom be used to replace destiny?

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

if the rebellion fails, his doom is certain

When is it sensible to use fate instead of destiny?

While the synonyms fate and destiny are close in meaning, 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 destiny?

Both lot and portion imply a distribution by fate or destiny, lot suggesting blind chance.

it was her lot to die childless

When is portion a more appropriate choice than destiny?

The words portion and destiny are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, portion implies the apportioning of good and evil.

remorse was his daily portion

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of destiny

And with the team dropping Monday night’s home matchup against the Atlanta Dream, 95-84, the Liberty lost any chance to host in the first round, and completely lost the opportunity to control its own destiny. — Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 23 Sep. 2026

Combs was a beacon of inspiration not just for the Black community, but for those who admired the classic American spirit of forging one’s own destiny. — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2026

The play follows a rodeo clown named Dale, who dreams of being a cowboy but has his life upended when his anthropomorphized shadow, Dilly Dally, pushes him to take control of his destiny. — Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 21 Sep. 2026

Aries is the zodiac sign of the leader, of passion, of independence and of pursuing one’s individual destiny. — Kyle Thomas, PEOPLE, 20 Sep. 2026