destiny

noun

des·​ti·​ny ˈde-stə-nē 

plural destinies

1

: something to which a person or thing is destined : fortune

want to control my own destiny

2

: a predetermined course of events often held to be an irresistible power or agency

felt that destiny would determine their future

Synonyms of destiny

• fate

Choose the Right Synonym for destiny

fate, destiny, lot, portion, doom mean a predetermined state or end.

fate implies an inevitable and usually an adverse outcome.

the fate of the submarine is unknown

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

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

it was her lot to die childless

portion implying the apportioning of good and evil.

remorse was his daily portion

doom distinctly implies a grim or calamitous fate.

if the rebellion fails, his doom is certain

Examples of destiny in a Sentence

They believed it was their destiny to be together.

motivated by a sense of destiny

Recent Examples on the Web

Strategists caution that off-year elections are signals, not destinies, with economic conditions, turnout dynamics, and campaign messaging still capable of reshaping the map before November 2026. —Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 1 Jan. 2026

And Disney is trying to control its own AI destiny by going into business with OpenAI. —Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 31 Dec. 2025

Ron Perlman stars as the gruff, cigar-chomping titular anti-hero juggling his job as a paranormal agent with a dark destiny that's finally catching up to him. —Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Dec. 2025

The Steelers still control their own destiny, though the Baltimore Ravens now have a chance to do the same. —Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 28 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English destinee, from Anglo-French, from feminine of destiné, past participle of destiner — see destine

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing destiny

• manifest destiny

Kids Definition

destiny

noun

des·​ti·​ny ˈdes-tə-nē 

plural destinies

1

: something to which a person or thing is destined : fortune

2

: the course of events held to be arranged by a superhuman power