fate 1 of 2

Definition of fatenext
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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
The fate of In the City, and Batula’s involvement, remains not-yet confirmed. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 29 June 2026 On the same pitch earlier, South Africa labored past Bangladesh by four wickets and waited for India's fate. ABC News, 28 June 2026
Verb
Among the historic attractions dotting Route 66, there may be none more hapless and ill fated as the Aztec Hotel in Monrovia. Assistant Editor, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026 And yet as the series expands from and twists around its simple horror concept (a wedding at the groom-to-be’s family house in the woods is fated for a titular dark catastrophe), Morrone’s performance as Rachel is able to shoulder the weight of quite a bit of backstory and a complicated endgame. Joe Reid, Vulture, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for fate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fate
Noun
  • In August 1781, a couple of months before the end of the war, Sedgwick and his co-counsel, a law professor named Tapping Reeve, appeared in the Great Barrington Inferior Court of Common Pleas, a small wooden building where a jury would decide the destinies of Freeman and Brom.
    New York Times, New York Times, 22 June 2026
  • Afterward, shareholders captured nearly all the gains—a conscious reallocation, not market destiny.
    Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
Noun
  • The report found some shelter programs cost significantly more to operate than others, but due to incomplete and inconsistent data, auditors were unable to determine whether higher spending translated into better outcomes.
    Brady Halbleib, CBS News, 24 June 2026
  • The findings have since been replicated across multiple follow-up analyses and extended to include women, cognitive outcomes and blood pressure.
    Allison Palmer Updated June 24, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • In a sense, Western multinationals unwittingly created their chief global competitors, along with the conditions for their own demise.
    Andy Browne, semafor.com, 23 June 2026
  • Iserson also touched on Ponies‘ modest viewership, which ultimately led to its demise despite strong critical acclaim.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • The Detroit Tigers’ winning run stood at first base in the bottom of the ninth inning of a 3-3 game when Matt Vierling’s line drive seemed destined for the left-center field gap in Comerica Park’s expansive outfield.
    Chandler Rome, New York Times, 29 June 2026
  • Bolstered by a $10 million advertising campaign, the works were destined to be shown in a series of one hundred and fifty exhibitions and events intended to counter Americans’ derisive views of Mexico.
    Jonathon Keats, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Noun
  • Nine strokes later, including three shots into the water across the green and three penalty strokes as a result, Poston finally sunk an eight-inch putt to move on with a 12.
    Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2026
  • Better results at the plate have given the Phillies some latitude to make mistakes on defense.
    Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 29 June 2026
Noun
  • Juan Andres Gonzalez, 18, is facing a first-degree murder charge in the stabbing death.
    Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 25 June 2026
  • The last goal came at the death, toward the end of stoppage time.
    Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • Crow-Armstrong’s poor offensive start doomed his chance to start, while the bad national publicity stemming from a viral video of his profane reaction to a harassing female White Sox fan probably didn’t help matters.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026
  • Twentieth Century Fox had bet big on a blockbuster hit, but a real-life tragedy four months earlier ensured the film was doomed to be an also-ran at the box office.
    Richard Edwards, Space.com, 27 June 2026
Noun
  • Pakistan has traditionally run large fiscal and external deficits, with a resultant rise in public debt.
    Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 25 June 2026
  • The vessel’s owner and master will assume full responsibility for any resultant damage, the PGSA said.
    Caitlin Danaher, CNN Money, 20 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fate. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.

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