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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of destiny Time may be running out for Lorenz Hart, but other great artistic destinies are still being written. Justin Chang, New Yorker, 27 Sep. 2025 The absurd arc of her public destiny reflects our unstoppable drift from culture to commerce. Joan Juliet Buck, Air Mail, 27 Sep. 2025 For Clarke, the ocean was humankind’s evolutionary destiny, and necessary for accommodating population growth and ensuring human survival. Danny Robb, JSTOR Daily, 26 Sep. 2025 So Call shrugged off her prescribed destiny and found religion, or at least the habit of belief. Chris Klimek, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for destiny
Recent Examples of Synonyms for destiny
fate
Noun
  • Once the selloff happened, the Twins were destined to be awful for the final two months, all but sealing Baldelli’s fate.
    Aaron Gleeman, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
  • As fate would have it, the Padres came back from a 3-2 deficit with four runs in the inning for what turned out to be a 6-3 final.
    Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 1 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Destiny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/destiny. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on destiny

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