FATEFUL Synonyms: 50 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'fateful' differ from other similar words?

The words ominous and portentous are common synonyms of fateful . While all three words mean "having a menacing or threatening aspect," fateful suggests being of momentous or decisive importance. // the fateful conference that led to war

Q: Where would 'ominous' be a reasonable alternative to 'fateful'?

Although the words ominous and fateful have much in common, ominous implies having a menacing, alarming character foreshadowing evil or disaster. // ominous rumblings from the volcano

Q: When is it sensible to use 'portentous' instead of 'fateful'?

While the synonyms portentous and fateful are close in meaning, portentous suggests being frighteningly big or impressive but now seldom definitely connotes forewarning of calamity. // an eerie and portentous stillness

fateful

adjective

ˈfāt-fəl

Definition of fateful next

as in disastrous

bringing about ruin or misfortune a fateful encounter with a confidence man that they would long regret

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How does the adjective fateful differ from other similar words?

The words ominous and portentous are common synonyms of fateful. While all three words mean "having a menacing or threatening aspect," fateful suggests being of momentous or decisive importance.

the fateful conference that led to war

Where would ominous be a reasonable alternative to fateful?

Although the words ominous and fateful have much in common, ominous implies having a menacing, alarming character foreshadowing evil or disaster.

ominous rumblings from the volcano

When is it sensible to use portentous instead of fateful?

While the synonyms portentous and fateful are close in meaning, portentous suggests being frighteningly big or impressive but now seldom definitely connotes forewarning of calamity.

an eerie and portentous stillness

Examples of fateful in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web These frustrations erupted during a fateful SNCC retreat in 1966, in a town outside Nashville called Kingston Springs. —

Kelefa Sanneh, The New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2024 The band played 17 shows before calling it quits, including the fateful, aborted gig Friday at Boston’s Leader Bank Pavilion. —

Chris Willman, Variety, 16 Sep. 2024 Sunday marks 50 years since that fateful Elton John concert on Oct. 6, 1974. —

Marcus Ryle, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2024 Sixteen years after that fateful first visit, Montreal is still inviting me to move more slowly and to stay for one more glass. —

Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fateful

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fateful.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.