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 For people like Blake-Thomas, minimalism means controlling her destiny. Dana Harris-Bridson, IndieWire, 19 May 2025 Many of the people building today’s technology see themselves as fulfilling a kind of technological destiny, pushing toward an inevitable scientific moment, like the creation of fire or the atomic bomb. Cade Metz, New York Times, 16 May 2025 Features footage the director shot over 20 years, traversing all of his past films in an epic look at the romantic destiny of his perennial heroine, Qiaoqiao. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 9 May 2025 The Trump administration might believe that Ukraine’s destiny has no bearing on the future of the NATO alliance. Liana Fix, Foreign Affairs, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for destiny
Recent Examples of Synonyms for destiny
fate
Noun
  • After several days of intense questioning, the small group of people who will help decide the fate of Sean Diddy Combs has been selected.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 13 May 2025
  • The fate of current Thursdays-at-9 occupant Doctor Odyssey remains TBD.
    Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 13 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Destiny.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/destiny. Accessed 27 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on destiny

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