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

This sense of destiny led Musk on October 5, 2024, to a Trump rally in western Pennsylvania. —Franklin Foer, The Atlantic, 28 July 2025

The Royals are just outside of a playoff spot, but have seen little improvement from their offense this season, and would need to have a strong stretch to control their destiny this season. —Hunter Mulholland, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025

The Trump administration may take control of the project underground, but New Yorkers still control our own destiny above it. —Tony Simone, New York Daily News, 23 July 2025

But your biology isn’t entirely your destiny, Dr. Schoenfeld said, and strength training can go a long way toward slowing or counteracting these changes. —New York Times, 22 July 2025