Synonym Chooser

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

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 fateful Unless something dramatic changes in the coming months, that may have fateful consequences for Republicans up and down the ballot starting with November's bellwether off-year gubernatorial elections in Virginia and New Jersey. David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 July 2025 But Ari Aster — writer-director of Hereditary (2018), Midsommar (2019), and Beau Is Afraid (2023) — is certainly unafraid of dark, difficult material, as demonstrated by this satirical neo-Western about a small New Mexico town descending into chaos amid the various conflicts of that fateful year. EW.com, 31 July 2025 Looking back on that fateful day in 2018, al-Dali told CNN that losing his leg almost killed his dreams of being an athlete once and for all. Shama Nasinde, CNN Money, 31 July 2025 The twin bombing on Boylston Street that fateful April day killed Martin Richard, 8; Krystle Campbell, 29; and Lu Lingzi, 23. Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 31 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for fateful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fateful
Adjective
  • Spiers: Manchester City had a disastrous 2024-25 season and still only finished 13 points behind Liverpool.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2025
  • As for other imports, Doval allowed three runs and took the loss in his debut to start the disastrous weekend.
    Larry Fleisher, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The same unit has experienced several tragedies, including the fatal shooting less than three years ago of an Army sergeant killed by a 28-year-old soldier in the brigade’s building complex, according to officials.
    Hanna Park, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Miami police are investigating a fatal shooting Wednesday night that left one man dead.
    Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • After the unfortunate withdrawal of U.S. Classic bars champion Myli Lew in podium training, the women’s bars title is even more up for grabs.
    Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • The fishermen were forced to abandon the Titan after a series of unfortunate events hit the ship.
    EW.com, EW.com, 7 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fateful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fateful. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

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