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

TikTok trends, Instagram reels, and viral comment-section narratives now carry just as much power to shape public perception—and corporate destiny—as any Wall Street report. —Brent Gleeson, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025

There was a false start or two, but the big, bad beast of a bus has finally completed its destiny. —New Atlas, 15 June 2025

His message was clear — Nvidia is the company that can help Europe build its artificial intelligence infrastructure so the region can take control of its own destiny with the transformative technology. —Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 14 June 2025

The mass of a star—how much matter is in it—determines most of its properties, including its temperature, color, brightness, evolution and even its destiny, so this is something astronomers are very keen to understand. —Phil Plait, Scientific American, 12 June 2025