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fate

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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

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
Sacramento Kings general manager Scott Perry and coach Doug Christie are trying to pick up the pieces after a season of chaos caused their predecessors to lose their jobs, but so far fate and misfortune seem to be conspiring against them. Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2025 Authorities face pressure to recover the jewels before they are altered or destroyed, a fate experts warn could significantly diminish their historical and monetary value. Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
What David and Giovanni suffer in the novel doesn’t merely happen to them, contingent upon circumstance; it is fated, the fulfillment of a logic that is homophobic at its heart. Garth Greenwell, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025 Unfortunately, we are fated to see two versions of the same events every time. Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fate
Noun
  • The destiny -- as for the past two-plus decades -- is yet to be determined.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 18 Oct. 2025
  • This American remake of the South Korean drama Il Mare is romantic goo that’s relatively easy to resist, and its ruminations on fate, love, destiny, and luck are all pretty standard for the genre.
    Tim Grierson, Vulture, 18 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • But federal prosecutors in Brooklyn say the ex-athletes and all the other players were in on a ruse, using technology to rig the outcome.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Of course, a reliable method for measuring a team’s performance is to use underlying metrics to understand the team’s process more than its outcomes.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Jonathan even orchestrates the circumstances of his own death, following Alison’s suggestion before her accidental demise.
    Isabella Wandermurem, Time, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Was the team’s demise about money?
    Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Rotterdam Unveils Nine World Premieres The International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) has unveiled a first wave of world premieres for its 2026 edition, announcing nine titles destined for its Bright Future and Harbour programming strands.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Gas prices, as measured by AAA, looked destined to break through the psychologically important $3-a-gallon level.
    Matt Egan, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The Thunder’s pregame party was the result of outlasting the Indiana Pacers in seven thrilling, competitive finals games.
    Joe Vardon, New York Times, 22 Oct. 2025
  • The brand recommends setting aside 30 to 45 minutes to fluff the flame-retardant branches for the most realistic result.
    Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Christopher Scholtes, 38, pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree murder and one count of intentional child abuse likely to cause death or serious physical injury in the July 9, 2024 death of his 2-year-old daughter, according to the Pima County Attorney's Office.
    Jose R. Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Of course, deportation or removal from the United States isn’t the same as death; Rubio’s unilateral visa revocation isn’t the same as the proscription.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Far from being doomed by his polarizing legacy, Republicans are poised to emerge as the party of the sensible center, representing the non-polarized public, while Democrats, mired in anti-Trump fervor, risk alienating the masses with diminished appeal.
    Nafees Alam, Boston Herald, 18 Oct. 2025
  • But three false start penalties doomed the offensive drive and Eget’s fourth-and-2 pass to Cooper Boch was broken up by Utah State’s Brevin Hamblin as time expired.
    Aaron Johnson, Mercury News, 18 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Moyes and assistant McKinlay both remonstrated with the fourth official at the resultant flash of a yellow card.
    Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The resultant program or app is established without any need for understanding computer programming.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fate. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.

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