destiny

noun

des·​ti·​ny ˈde-stə-nē 

plural destinies

1

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

wants to control his 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

• 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

After the Cincinnati Reds’ 4-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates earlier in the night, the Mets are once again in control of their postseason destiny. —Will Sammon, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2025

In June, the Mets boasted MLB’s best record, but New York has lost 11 of its last 15 games—and control of its playoff destiny. —Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 23 Sep. 2025

At least the Tigers still control their own destiny. —Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 22 Sep. 2025

It is billed as a heartwarming rom-com exploring universal themes of love and destiny while celebrating the Sri Lankan community in modern-day Melbourne. —Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 21 Sep. 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