fate 1 of 2

Definition of fatenext
1
2
3

fate

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word fate distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of fate are destiny, doom, lot, and portion. While all these words mean "a predetermined state or end," fate implies an inevitable and usually an adverse outcome.

the fate of the submarine is unknown

When is it sensible to use destiny instead of fate?

The words destiny and fate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

Where would doom be a reasonable alternative to fate?

The synonyms doom and fate are sometimes interchangeable, but doom distinctly implies a grim or calamitous fate.

if the rebellion fails, his doom is certain

How do lot and portion relate to one another, in the sense of fate?

Both lot and portion imply a distribution by fate or destiny, lot suggesting blind chance.

it was her lot to die childless

In what contexts can portion take the place of fate?

While in some cases nearly identical to fate, portion implies the apportioning of good and evil.

remorse was his daily portion

How is the word fate distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of fate are destiny, doom, lot, and portion. While all these words mean "a predetermined state or end," fate implies an inevitable and usually an adverse outcome.

the fate of the submarine is unknown

When is it sensible to use destiny instead of fate?

The words destiny and fate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

Where would doom be a reasonable alternative to fate?

The synonyms doom and fate are sometimes interchangeable, but doom distinctly implies a grim or calamitous fate.

if the rebellion fails, his doom is certain

How do lot and portion relate to one another, in the sense of fate?

Both lot and portion imply a distribution by fate or destiny, lot suggesting blind chance.

it was her lot to die childless

In what contexts can portion take the place of fate?

While in some cases nearly identical to fate, 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 fate
Noun
So does Serle believe more in fate or free will? Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 10 Mar. 2026 The fate of 21 members of Iran’s women’s national soccer team remained uncertain Tuesday after five teammates were granted asylum in Australia, leaving the rest of the squad to decide whether to return to a country still reeling from war. Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett Born in the small town of Mallard, Louisiana, a set of identical twins are fated for opposite lives. Amanda Favazza, Southern Living, 6 Feb. 2026 Some of the dynamism around the 2025 season can only be chalked up to fate and the gridiron gods. Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 28 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fate
Noun
  • In the Texas primaries, each party wanted to get to a future a little beyond its candidates’ reach—in which political destiny was tempered and interrupted by the particularity of its characters.
    Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2026
  • In this way, the film becomes a manifesto for alternate destinies within the Black experience, and a semi-formal goodbye letter to the delusional but politically expedient optimism of the 2010s, wherein the end of the neoliberal order becomes a gateway to renewed self-possession and agency.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • But other scenarios could lead to a less desirable outcome.
    Big Think, Big Think, 5 Mar. 2026
  • Four of those cases were chosen as bellwether cases, meaning their outcomes are meant to help guide how all the other cases in federal court in Chicago might proceed, and/or how to settle those cases.
    Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Fairway City Administrator Nathan Nogelmeier on Monday said that the potential demise of the project was news to him.
    Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 10 Mar. 2026
  • SpaceX conducted five Starship flight tests in 2025, the first three of which ended in disaster when the vehicle met a premature fiery demise before completing many key objectives.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Major ship lines Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have stopped accepting most cargo destined for the Persian Gulf countries.
    Vanessa Yurkevich, CNN Money, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Last week, Hungary blocked a new package of EU sanctions on Russia in response to interruptions in Russian oil supplies that pass through Ukraine, and vowed to block a major, $106 billion EU loan destined for Kyiv until oil flows resume.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The result lands somewhere between a boutique hotel suite and a private coastal apartment.
    Angela Tafoya, Vogue, 9 Mar. 2026
  • The 40th District is one of several pivotal matchups across both parties involving two incumbents, a result of the redistricting war that engulfed Texas and California and is being explored in a handful of other states.
    Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 9 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office later ruled her death a suicide.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Mar. 2026
  • The case marks the first time Google has been sued over a death linked to its flagship artificial intelligence tool.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 5 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Leaders today should remember the story of Neville Chamberlain because, as George Santayana said, whoever shall forget the past is doomed to repeat it.
    Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 8 Mar. 2026
  • But then the 1-20 stretch early last season doomed such hopes.
    CBS News, CBS News, 8 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The resultant explosion of particle effects will overwhelm the game engine and immediately trigger a blood moon.
    Alan Bradley, Space.com, 2 Mar. 2026
  • Those guilty verdicts and the resultant 23-year sentence were tossed by New York’s Court of Appeals in 2024 based on allegations the jury heard about from three additional women, which were not tied to the charges.
    Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 26 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fate. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on fate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster