Synonyms of fateful

fateful

adjective

ˈfāt-fəl 

as in disastrous

bringing about ruin or misfortune

a fateful encounter with a confidence man that they would long regret

Synonyms & Similar Words

• disastrous
• fatal
• unfortunate
• catastrophic
• calamitous
• damning
• destructive
• ruinous
• apocalyptic
• adverse
• cataclysmal
• ill-fated
• luckless
• hapless
• damaging
• pernicious
• injurious
• harmful
• ill-starred
• detrimental
• baneful
• deleterious
• evil
• prejudicial
• hurtful
• noxious
• baleful
• ill

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• fortuitous
• happy
• fortunate
• lucky
• providential
• golden
• auspicious
• promising
• fair
• fluky
• propitious
• hopeful
• bright
• optimistic
• encouraging
• rosy
• heartening
• upbeat
• rose-colored

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective fateful differ from other similar words?

The words ominous and portentous are common synonyms of fateful. While all three words mean "having a menacing or threatening aspect," fateful suggests being of momentous or decisive importance.

the fateful conference that led to war

Where would ominous be a reasonable alternative to fateful?

Although the words ominous and fateful have much in common, ominous implies having a menacing, alarming character foreshadowing evil or disaster.

ominous rumblings from the volcano

When is it sensible to use portentous instead of fateful?

While the synonyms portentous and fateful are close in meaning, portentous suggests being frighteningly big or impressive but now seldom definitely connotes forewarning of calamity.

an eerie and portentous stillness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of fateful

The film is set to centre the passengers, crew, and their families during that one fateful night. — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026

Again and again, Misty comes fully alive in the presence of others—a saving grace in a town that still often runs on chance meetings, fateful reunions, and testy but resilient relationships. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026

The change in national attitudes since that fateful day has been moderate and consistent with what came before. — Dahlia Scheindlin, Time, 7 Oct. 2026

Netanyahu’s opponents accuse him of a litany of failures before and after that fateful day. — Charlene Gubash, NBC news, 7 Oct. 2026